Tues 26 Feb 2019 12.35pm

Ninety per cent of submissions to Auckland Council support a ban on the private use and sale of fireworks. The issue is to be voted on by Auckland Council at its Governing Body meeting on Thursday.

A year ago, a motion by Councillors Cathy Casey and Fa’anana Efeso Collins seeking Council’s support for the Government to introduce legislation was referred for public consultation. The report to Thursday’s meeting notes that 89 per cent of the 7997 submissions support the ban.

“In supporting a Government ban on the sale and use of fireworks, Aucklanders have made it clear they want a city that is safe for their families and pets,” says Councillor Cathy Casey

“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.”

“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 Collins says that local government has a 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 will request that the New Zealand Government introduce legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and end their private use.

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