Fireworks cause 4000 injuries, cost ACC $3.3m over 10 years

Friday, 9 August 2019

Dee Hunter is super-protective of her horses while it's fireworks season, even installing solar lights to lessen the risk of injury.

There is a renewed call for the Government to ban the private use of fireworks after ACC figures showed they caused nearly 4000 injuries over the past decade.

The data, released to Auckland councillor Dr Cathy Casey under the Official Information Act, showed the claims cost ACC $3.3 million.

'It is horrifying that so many people have been injured by fireworks because of Government inaction,' Casey said.

In 2015, the previous government received a petition signed by 32,000 people to ban the private sale of fireworks.

Casey led the move for Auckland Council In February to support a ban and seek a law change.

**READ MORE:

Councillors Cathy Casey and Efeso Collins have been longtime opponents of the public sale of fireworks.

* Fireworks ban: Auckland Council votes to outlaw private sales

* Editorial: Time for a ban, a date change, or both?

* Big boom ban: Wellington region's councils to consult on backyard fireworks

* Auckland fireworks ban: overwhelming public support to outlaw private fireworks**

The figures showed there were 272 fireworks-related injuries in the past year.

However, there were no figures on injuries to animals, Casey said.

She would be telling the Government the public had had enough of private fireworks use.

'New Zealand is lagging way behind Australia on this. It is time we put the safety of people, pets and wildlife ahead of profit.'

Auckland Council supported a law change after public consultation on the issue found just under 90 per cent of the 7997 submissions supported a ban.

In 2015, the previous government received a petition signed by 32,000 people to ban sales.

Some regulations are already in place – retailers can sell fireworks only four days up to and including Guy Fawkes day on November 5.

Buyers must be over 18 and sparklers have to be sold separately.