Concern Over Late Finish at Coke Games: Parents Question Organisers’ Priorities

It’s 8.30 pm, and the Coca-Cola Games are still underway at the HFC Bank Stadium (24 April 2025).

For many parents, watching the clock — and their children's safety — concern is quickly turning into frustration.

With a national conversation ongoing about rising crime and drug epidemic, questions are being raised about the competence and priorities of event organisers.

“What time will they get home?” asked one parent at the venue. “Some of these children could be travelling all the way back to Nausori or even further.

Photos shared online showed students still seated around the stadium at 8.30pm, with events continuing under floodlights.

Parents are calling the situation unacceptable, warning that some children may not reach home until well past midnight.

“We’re living in a time where even adults are scared to be out late,” another parent said. “We shouldn’t be risking our children like this for the sake of a timetable.”