Two more fireworks displays are scheduled on Auckland's waterfront this week - but the SPCA is asking those holding the displays to have some consideration for pet owners and give more notice.
The Harbourmaster's office has issued warnings to mariners for two 15-minute displays off the Halsey Street Wharf on Thursday May 10 and Sunday May 13, both at 7.30pm.
An Auckland Transport spokesperson said Sunday's display is part of the Bright Nights event at the Viaduct Basin, but it is unclear who is organising Thursday's display.
A display took place last week on Wednesday night at 9.30pm, with the sound heard as far away as Waiheke Island due to the calm conditions.
Some people asked online why such a large, loud display was signed off so late in the evening with no warning for pet owners.
"I’m happy you guys have something to celebrate, but 9.30pm on a Wednesday night is a bit rough if you’re going to let off 108db fireworks in the middle of a city where there are children, pets and ... a whole bunch of confused adults ... perhaps at the very least pick a weekend evening next time?" one person wrote on Instagram.
"Mid-week and no notice ... feeling for all those with little children, anxious pets and all the native wild life ... it’s time to put a stop to fireworks!" wrote another.
Wednesday's display was part of an event organised by Savor Group to promote a luxury cognac brand at the Ostro restaurant in the CBD.
Seafarers Members Club spokesperson Vinci Gin-Nen said the event involved "hosting a private group of high net wealth guest[s]" - and described the display as "a gift to Auckland Harbour spectators".
"We hope it was not too much of a disturbance," he said.
Mr Gin-Nen said all legally-required parties were advised and notified "well in advance" and that he didn't think any public notification or PR was necessary as it was "a private show for a private party" - despite the fireworks being launched from a barge in the harbour.
Mr Gin-Nen said his group had originally sought permission to hold the display even later at 11pm, but that requirements around harbour and air traffic meant it was pushed forward to 9.30pm.
He said the timing of the display was aligned with other public displays such as the Auckland Anniversary and Chinese New Year fireworks.
SPCA spokesperson Jessie Gilchrist said they are not against public fireworks displays - but that ample notification is crucial, as many pets are sensitive to loud noises.
"The key point to ensure the welfare of animals is that these public events are notified in order to allow for owners to put in to place strategies for animals that need them," Ms Gilchrist said.
"The methods of notification need to be meaningful and through a range of communication channels to ensure that owners of firework affected animals are actually made aware of an upcoming public display."
At present, the only public notification given for a privately-organised fireworks display held on the water is a notice for boaties issued through the Harbourmaster.
There are no requirements for any of the other permit-approving parties - Police, NZ Fire and Emergency, Worksafe or the Civil Aviation Authority - to give any public notice.
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