Celine Dion is considered the queen of quiet stories. If you play “My Heart Will Go On” at room volume, you might find it relaxing – but in New Zealand Canadian music is seen as noise pollution. Why: In downtown Porirua on the North Island, music fans have been having so-called “siren battles” (literally: siren battles) for some time, especially at night – especially with the singer’s biggest hits.

The Guardian has now written that the “fights” are part of a subculture in New Zealand that traces its origins to the Pasifika ethnic group. Audiophiles upgrade their cars with dozens of speakers and sirens in order to then compete in different categories for the loudest and clearest sound. Dion’s songs are perfect for this because they hit very high notes with their vocal range and there’s hardly any bass, Paul List, who regularly participates in “battles” around Auckland, once told New Zealand news site The SpinOff.

Distressed Porirua residents, who are regularly deprived of their sleep, are now fed up and calling on authorities to intervene, Radio New Zealand reported. Some citizens have launched a petition on Change.org to put an end to the sleep deprivation hype. “I’ve had enough,” she says. “Porirua City Council must act and stop car gatherings playing loud music and sirens at all hours of the night.”

Mayor Anita Baker also said she was “absolutely sick” of the siren battles. However, she does not have the authority to solve the problem. But it is working with the police and regional authorities to find solutions. The ultimate goal is for participants to turn on their speakers where no one can hear them.

From: APA/EPA