Tony Malkin starts bushfire near Queenstown in New Zealand with New Year’s Eve fireworks

An American billionaire’s controversial New Year’s Eve fireworks have sparked a bushfire in rural New Zealand following protests by locals against his festive plans.

Tony Malkin, chief executive of Empire State Realty Trust, which owns the monument, was hosting a party at his luxury hilltop retreat in Dalefield, a rural area on the outskirts of Queenstown.

He lit the extravagant display, believed to have cost tens of thousands of dollars, to bring in the new year, starting three fires burning along a nearby hill.

Firefighters were called to Mr. Malkin’s property just 10 minutes later and spent several hours putting out the fire.

A fire started in rural New Zealand on New Year’s Day after a fireworks display (image courtesy of Davis Decor Limited Painters & Decorators)

New York billionaire Tony Malkin (pictured) set off the fireworks at his Dalefield retreat despite widespread objection from residents.

The fire was contained at 2:30 am after razing about 0.5 hectares of land and completely blackening a hill.

Guests at the New York billionaire’s exclusive party were evacuated when the fire approached within 50 feet of his retreat, according to Things.

Volunteer firefighters stayed until 7 a.m. to put out the fires and monitor the situation.

Angry residents protested Mr. Malkin’s plans to set off fireworks at his retreat due to the risk of fire and the distress that loud noises would cause horses and other animals in the area.

Angry neighbors had to cancel their holiday plans to stay home with their animals to make sure they didn’t freak out.

Neighbor and horse owner Johnny Quinn, who created a petition to stop Malkin’s plan, said the billionaire’s insistence on setting off fireworks at his retreat conveyed a “fuck it” attitude toward residents.

He claimed the “system was broken,” after his wealthy neighbor won approval for his expensive light show despite widespread objection.

Quinn moved her family and horses south over New Year’s weekend and returned Sunday to watch fireworks damage the hillside.

Firefighters were called to the retreat about ten minutes after the fireworks began to put out the blaze. It is understood that the guests at his party were also evacuated. (image courtesy of Davis Decor Limited Painters and Decorators)

Tony Malkin’s sprawling New Zealand home sits atop a hill in Dalefield, near Queenstown

He told the Daily Mail before New Year’s Eve that Mr Malkin’s intention to go ahead with the fireworks display was “uncordial”.

“He literally hasn’t interacted with the local community,” he said.

It will definitely scare the horses. People are very nervous and stay to take care of their animals; It’s not just horses, it’s cats, dogs and other livestock.”

Malkin did not apologize for going ahead with the fireworks or publicly acknowledge the fire.

Neighbor Johnny Quinn created a petition to try to stop the CEO’s plans. He said the billionaire’s insistence on setting off fireworks at his retreat conveyed a “fuck you” attitude toward residents.

Dalefield, near Queenstown, New Zealand, is a delightful rural getaway that has attracted a handful of billionaires in recent years.

Property manager and spokeswoman for the billionaire, Donna Stewart-Freemantle, had no comment on the fire, but thanked firefighters and police for their efforts to contain the fire and evacuate guests.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Empire State Realty Trust for comment.

Malkin’s office did not respond to requests for comment before New Year’s Eve.

Dalefield has become a mecca for foreign billionaires such as PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, William Foley and Google co-founder Larry Page who bought property in the area.