Two North Canterbury mayors are backing a call to ban the sale of fireworks.
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon and Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said they would support a ban on fireworks sales, while Kaikōura’s Craig Mackle believes a ban is “inevitable”.
The mayors were responding to calls by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters for a ban on the sale, manufacture and importation of fireworks for private use.
Peters said the misuse of fireworks wreaks havoc on pets, emergency services and the environment.
A private member’s bill is set to be entered into the ballot by New Zealand First MP Jenny Marcroft.
The Waimakariri District Council wrote to the government in 2019 calling for legislation to ban the private sale and use of fireworks.
It followed councillors calling for a bylaw to ban fireworks sales.
“I haven’t spoken to council since the private members bill was announced, but it was something we looked at some years ago,” Gordon said.
“We wrote to the Government, but we were told there wasn’t an appetite for it at the time. But I think things have moved on.”
Gordon said he enjoyed public displays of fireworks, but the misuse of fireworks was causing too many issues.
Black said November is not the best time for letting off fireworks.
She suggested the Canterbury Mayoral Forum could consider writing to the Government to seek its support for a ban on fireworks sales.
“I have never been big on Guy Fawkes and I’m not keen on individual sales of backyard fireworks.
“It causes too many issues. It comprises animals, it leads to fire risk and kids have been burnt.”
She supported having public displays, noting the Waipara Fireworks Extravaganza and the Waiau Fireworks were popular events and were supported by the local fire brigades.
Mackle said he enjoyed public displays, but he believes a ban on fireworks sales is “inevitable” due to the misuse of fireworks by some individuals.
“It will be just another thing that gets taken off us due to fools.
“I don’t like things being taken away that we’ve grown up with, but people need to feel comfortable and safe.”
Mackle said he believed alcohol was the underlying issue.
“People jump up and down about fireworks, but how many of those accidents are related to alcohol?”
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
