Drivers cruise around Porirua competing in ‘siren battles’ blaring Celine Dion songs at high volume as late as 2 am, much to the chagrin of local residents and nearly 300 of them have so far signed a petition demanding Porirua City Council put a stop to it
The beloved Canadian singer’s melodies lose their charm when blared at high volume as late as 2am, say the sleepless residents of Porirua, north of Wellington and home to 60,000 people.
“It’s a headache,” Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said.
Siren battles have erupted in parts of New Zealand for at least seven years.
Local media have reported on contestants – often people with family links to Pacific Island nations – using large siren-type speakers on cars and even bicycles to drown each other out with their powerful systems.
They “love Celine Dion”, the mayor said.
“They like anyone with a high pitch and great tone in their voice,” she said.
“Although I enjoy Celine Dion in the comfort of my lounge and at my volume, I do not enjoy hearing fragments of it stopping and starting at any time between 7 pm and 2 am,” one resident said.