Wairarapa's annual balloon festival is to go ahead this year, despite the ballooning tragedy at Carterton in which 11 people died.
The organisers of Balloons over Wairarapa say they have spoken to numerous people about their plans, including the relatives of those who were killed when a hot air balloon hit a power line and burst into flames on 7 January.
They say the overwhelming feeling of those they have consulted is that the March event should go ahead.
It will begin with a special tribute flight to remember those who died.
Carterton Mayor Ron Mark says the festival will be a chance to pay tribute to those involved in the tragedy and help the community return to normality.
