Retail fireworks sales ran from 2 November until the end of Thursday 5 November. That is the rule in the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001, and it applies every year.
Outside those four days, a retailer needs written approval from the regulator, the Environmental Protection Authority. The regulations allow that only when the fireworks are for a gathering held for cultural or religious purposes.
Diwali falls on Sunday 8 November this year, three days after the sales window closed. Auckland's public Diwali festival ran on 31 October and 1 November, but families who planned fireworks at home for the day itself needed to note the sale dates before they shopped. Auckland Council says buyers must be 18 and carry valid ID.
Where you can light them
Auckland Council says fireworks can only be set off on private property. In its Guy Fawkes notice on 29 October, the council says it is illegal to light fireworks on council-controlled land anywhere in Tāmaki Makaurau, including parks and beaches. They must also not be lit in forests, conservation areas, or on roads, berms or footpaths.
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority closed public access to 14 maunga each night from 6.30pm to 7am, from Monday 2 November to Thursday 5 November, to protect them from fires. Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach via Coast Road is closed from 2 November and reopens on Monday 9 November.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says many public areas elsewhere have year-round fireworks bans, and people should check with their local council before using them at a beach or park.
Why the weather matters this year
FENZ says there have been an average of 160 firework-related fires a year over the past decade, and the number has risen in the last two years. In a statement on 30 October, acting national manager Tom Ronaldson said several large fires in recent weeks had shown how easily fires start and spread in the wind.
Auckland Council points to forecasts of El Niño conditions, with stronger westerly winds and drier weather across northern New Zealand. Both agencies tell people not to light fireworks when it is windy or dry.
FENZ asks people to check checkitsalright.nz for the weather and any fire restrictions or permits in their area before lighting anything.
Before you light anything
FENZ and Auckland Council give much the same advice:
- Keep a large bucket of water or a hose within reach.
- Point fireworks at the sky, well away from buildings, vegetation and anything else that can burn.
- Stand well back once a firework is lit, and make sure a responsible adult is present.
- Tell your neighbours beforehand if you can, especially anyone with pets or livestock. Auckland Council suggests avoiding fireworks after 10pm.
- Soak used fireworks in water before putting them in the bin. The council says not to keep leftover fireworks after Guy Fawkes because they can become unsafe.
On rural private land, the council said bonfires were allowed from 2 to 5 November but must be lit in daylight and fully out before nightfall. A permit is needed during a restricted fire season. The council also warns that sky lanterns, sometimes called Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk if released and must be secured.
Pets
Auckland Council's head of animal management, Elly Waitoa, says Guy Fawkes can frighten pets, particularly dogs, and the council usually sees more dogs arrive at its shelters around this time. Her advice is to keep pets indoors once fireworks begin, close windows and curtains, and make sure dogs are registered and microchipped.
The SPCA told RNZ that up to three-quarters of cats and dogs are afraid of fireworks.
The wider debate
RNZ reported on 1 November that fireworks imports fell to $1.2 million in the year to September, down nearly 60 percent from a year earlier, according to Infometrics analysis of Stats NZ and Customs data. The SPCA and Auckland Council want private sales banned. The Government said in July it would not progress a ban, RNZ reported.
Guy Fawkes fell on Thursday 5 November, two days before the general election on Saturday 7 November. Our election day voting guide covers where and how to vote.
