Kiwi firm fined for All Black 'fireball'

Wellington - A New Zealand fireworks company that botched a pyrotechnics display at an All Blacks match in Auckland last year, injuring three spectators, has been fined more than $66 000).

One fan was badly cut in the incident at Eden Park in August, 2014, and WorkSafe New Zealand said it was lucky no one in the packed stands sustained life-threatening injuries.

The company, Van Tiel Pyrotechnics, was hired to set off two powerful "fireball" devices after the All Blacks completed their famous haka challenge ahead of a Test match against Australia.

But the devices went off unexpectedly and WorkSafe said "the force of the explosion shattered the mortars, throwing fragments into the crowds".

An investigation found Van Tiel manufactured the fireballs using an incorrect mix of substances, as well as failing to properly label and track explosive materials.

New Zealand Rugby stopped using fireworks for pre-match entertainment after the accident.