The World Briefly

October 27, 2023

Terror By Céline

New Zealand

Listen to Today's Edition

Residents of a New Zealand town are demanding authorities stop car drivers from loudly blasting Céline Dion songs late at night as a part of a competition popular among the country’s Indigenous people, Insider reported Thursday.

Since November, drivers in Porirua, near the capital Wellington, have been playing the Canadian singer’s tunes – such as “My Heart Will Go On” and “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” – on a loop from about 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at ear-splitting levels.

Many of the town’s residents have complained of months of sleepless nights.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker told Agence France-Presse that the noise disruption is part of the “siren battles” trend, which has taken place in the country for years. These battles involve rival groups competing to blast the most powerful and clear sounds from loudspeakers attached to vehicles – including cars and bicycles – to win the title of “siren king.”

Local media reported that the choice of music is due to Dion’s treble and high pitch.

While the blasting music primarily affects the city center, the cacophony reverberates out into the suburbs, leaving locals frustrated and sleep-deprived.

Residents have taken action by launching a petition urging the Porirua City Council to put an end to the night soundtrack.

So far, the petition has garnered nearly 300 signatures.

Baker said she would meet with police to find a resolution.

This story originally appeared in the October 27, 2023 newsletter, Bittersweet Chocolate.