MEDIA RELEASE
17 October 2008
Fireworks safety campaign 2008 launched
The New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Police, Ministry for the Environment, and the Environmental Risk Management
Authority (ERMA New Zealand) are coming together for a third consecutive year to launch a safety campaign to remind
those celebrating Guy Fawkes that acting responsibly with fireworks will ensure a fun and successful event for all.
Included are posters for retail outlets selling fireworks; around 50,000 safety brochures, which will be distributed
nationwide; advertisements; and a website, www.guyfawkessafety.govt.nz, to promote fireworks safety in a campaign that
looks to be making a positive difference in the reduction of damage caused by fireworks.
"Guy Fawkes is traditionally a busy time for firefighters, but I'm pleased to say that last year was an improvement on
the previous year in terms of the emergency callouts we attended," said Fire Service National Commander Mike Hall. "This
year we'd like to see the good work continue, with even more of a reduction in callouts."
"Making the 2008 Guy Fawkes celebrations safe and fun for family and friends is easy if we all follow some simple rules
and act responsibly," added Mr Hall.
"A safe and fun way to celebrate Guy Fawkes with your community is to attend an organised public fireworks display,"
said Rob Forlong, Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand. "Public fireworks displays allow families and friends to relax
and enjoy spectacular pyrotechnics in a controlled environment with less risk to themselves and their neighbours, pets
or buildings."
The Guy Fawkes safety website, www.guyfawkessafety.govt.nz, lists public fireworks displays across New Zealand to help
people find a celebration in their community. It also includes downloadable safety posters, brochures, and safety tips
and resources to help families who don't wish to attend a community celebration host a safe fireworks display at home.
Over the past two years, ERMA New Zealand has introduced new safety rules amid public concern about damage due to
fireworks. They include a minimum age of 18 for purchasing fireworks; a shortened fireworks sale period, from 2-5
November; limitations on the sale of sparklers; and the introduction of a code of practice for those staging outdoor
public fireworks displays. New regulations limiting the explosive sound levels of retail fireworks may make for happier
pets this Guy Fawkes.
-ENDS-