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On the eve of Guy Fawkes, New Zealand First introduced a Member’s Bill to ban the public sale and use of fireworks, saying the harm and disruption caused each year far outweigh any benefits.
Party leader Winston Peters says the proposed Fireworks Prohibition Legislation Bill would end the retail sale, manufacture, and importation of fireworks for personal use, while still allowing approved public displays to continue.
“The taxpayer should not be spending millions on something that drastically impacts pets, causes the inevitable fires, and causes havoc for our emergency services. Enough is enough,” Peters says.
“The abuse and misuse of fireworks has far outgrown any of the benefits. This is not about being ‘nanny state,’ this is about bringing some common sense into what a desperately needed conversation about the future of fireworks in our community is.”
He says the Bill responds to “predictable and preventable” costs for ACC and emergency services and seeks to stop the distress fireworks cause to animals and livestock.
“Many major retailers stopped selling fireworks long ago, and there have been calls from across the country to put a stop to public sales completely. New Zealand has come to a point where we seriously need to have this conversation and debate,” he says.
The policy has drawn strong public reaction, with many supporters backing the move as long overdue.
“Considering Australia banned these from all but one state 40 years ago, it’s about time we caught up!” one supporter said via Facebook.
“I rarely agree with Winston, but this is the second thing he has done to benefit animals this term and I am grateful to him for it,” another said.
Guy Fawkes is officially observed on November 5.
Auckland Council’s parks and community facilities acting general manager, Julie Pickering, is asking Aucklanders to be mindful of others and act responsibly when lighting up fireworks.
“Letting off fireworks on Guy Fawkes night is a fun event for those who choose to,” she says.
“However, we ask Aucklanders to be considerate of others who don’t chose to participate and be mindful that some people, who could be your neighbours, and pets, can find the noise and lights of fireworks stressful.
“Please keep a close watch on your children when using fireworks and have water on hand to put out any fire that could start.
“Aucklanders should also be aware that using fireworks in parks and on beaches across the region is not allowed,” Pickering says.
Meanwhile, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority is closing public access to 14 maunga/mountains/volcanic cones across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from Sunday, November 2, to Wednesday, November 5, from 6.30pm to 7am, to protect them from fires.
