Porirua City will ask residents for their views on the private sale and use of fireworks, before deciding whether to lobby Government for a ban.

The Elsdon Residents Association, with the support of an advocate kaumatua of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, has asked Council to lobby central Government to ban the sale of fireworks and end their private use. This is the same ban proposal that Auckland Council recently decided to take to Government after receiving widespread public support.

The City Delivery Committee decided at its meeting today that the Council would seek feedback from the wider community prior to deciding whether or not to advocate for any changes. The Government would need to introduce legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and end their use on private property, because local councils only control fireworks use on public land.

“We want to find out where Porirua people stand on this, so we can make decisions that reflect and represent those views,” says Committee Chairperson, Councillor Anita Baker.

“We’ve heard from a section of the community, but we’d like to have a wider conversation and hear how others feel about private fireworks.”

The request from Elsdon Residents Association gave a number of reasons for banning private fireworks sales including the fire risk, antisocial use, stress to pets and wildlife, disturbances for children, elderly and shift workers, pressure on emergency services and other stress concerns.

The request noted that Guy Fawkes is not a traditional New Zealand event and suggested that people enjoy public displays rather than be able to buy and set off fireworks themselves.

Cr Baker says the Council will canvas public opinion through social media and other informal engagement and would let the community know how and when to have their say.

“We’ll be looking at the best ways to collect your feedback, so start having a think about where you stand, keep an eye on our Facebook page, and we’ll be in touch.”

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