Auckland fireworks ban: overwhelming public support to outlaw private fireworks

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

Auckland wants New Yorkers to know more about the city than just being the first to welcome the New Year..

A motion to ban the private use and sale of fireworks in the super city has received overwhelming public support.

Just under 90 per cent of the 7997 submissions on Auckland Council's proposed ban supported it, councillor Cathy Casey said on Tuesday.

The issue would be voted on by the council at its Governing Body meeting on Thursday.

If passed, Auckland Council said it would have a role to play encouraging more public fireworks displays.

Casey said the show of support was a good sign for vulnerable pets and livestock.

* What's the go on private fireworks displays?

* Petition to ban private sale of fireworks presented to parliament**

'Year-round, fireworks cause unnecessary distress and injury to people, animals, birds and livestock and misuse of fireworks puts huge pressure on emergency services through unnecessary fires, property damage and injuries,' she said.

'A ban will significantly reduce the number of bylaw complaints about the setting off of fireworks on private property received by Council, significantly reducing the demand for council resources.'

Councillor Fa'anana Efeso Collins agreed.

He said the death of private fireworks displays meant that local government would have a larger role to play in encouraging more free public firework events.

'Our communities love coming together to celebrate and Auckland Council has a role in providing for more events for communities to celebrate and enjoy all kinds of events and festivals.

'Public displays means the spectacle of fireworks can be enjoyed by everyone while families and pets are kept safe.'

If passed on Thursday, Auckland Council would request that central government introduce legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and end their private use.