New Zealand First is putting forward a member’s bill that proposes a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, saying the impact on pets, "inevitable" fires, and "havoc" for emergency services were no longer worth it.
As some prepare to set off fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes tonight, the yearly debate around their banning has once again been sparked.
NZ First Leader Winston Peters said fireworks cause fires, create havoc for emergency services, and impacts pets, farm animals, and native wildlife.
On Guy Fawkes in 2024, firefighters responded to 32 firework-related callouts. Meanwhile, multiple petitions calling for their ban were before parliament. Several major retailers have stopped selling fireworks in recent years.
The proposed Fireworks Prohibition Legislation Bill, in the name of Jenny Marcroft, would need to be pulled from the ballot before going before Parliament. It will replace the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill in the ballot.
The bill would stop the retail sale, manufacture, and importation of fireworks for public use. Organised public displays would still be allowed, however.
On Breakfast this morning, Peters was asked why it was the right time to ban fireworks.
“When you’ve seen a horse totally wrapped up in barbed wire and cut to the bone, and the horse is going to have to be put down – I’ve seen animals like that," he said.
“I’ve seen calves like that, and I’ve seen many dogs and cats absolutely out of their mind because they can’t understand what’s going on around them.
“Pets have got a right to be looked after properly and not have the fear of god put in them.”
Peter’s also said fireworks were a nuisance, with people setting them off late into the evening, and long past Guy Fawkes itself.
“The number of people, at all hours of day and night, not near Guy Fawkes, they’re doing it all of the time, just letting off rockets.
“It’s a case of enough’s enough.”
Responding to concerns of overreach by the Government, Peters said there wasn’t a “freedom issue around it” because public displays put on by “responsible people” would continue under the proposed law.
“If you were behaving responsibly on this matter, nobody would be complaining.
“But you and your friends are far too often behaving utterly irresponsibly.”
When it came to ACC and emergency service costs, Peters said the issue was “much bigger than we think”.
“This sort of random behaviour has got consequences.”
Peters referred to a poll underway and said it suggested New Zealanders had “massively had enough” of fireworks. A 2023 survey by AA Insurance found that 53% of respondents wanted fireworks banned for recreational use, with a further 20% wanting them banned altogether.
The announcement of the member’s bill came after a Canterbury family’s dog died after being hit by a car while spooked by fireworks.
Owner Wendy Wellwood said her neighbour found Izzy, the Australian Shepherd, on the side of the road.
“The vet gave us options, and of course, there weren’t many, so we had to have her euthanised.
She wanted to see fireworks banned from “every household”.
“It’s costing too many fur babies' lives, plus lots of others like horses and all sorts of animals.”
Three petitions, including one backed by 90,000 signatures, have been presented to Parliament.
How to keep your animals safe tonight
SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan offered pet owners tips on how to keep their animals safe on a night the organisation was "hugely concerned" about. (Source: 1News)
SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan said she was “hugely concerned” for animals tonight, and supported a ban on their sale to the public.
“We know that somewhere around 75% of cat and dog owners report that their animal is afraid, we know that there are some exceptions, but this is the majority and that goes up to 80% when we talk about horse owners.”
She also said that 26% of horse owners report their animals being injured on Guy Fawkes night due to panic.
Vaughan said concerns went beyond pets and farm animals, but also to native birds, which are currently nesting.
“We know that fireworks disrupt and can even cause nest abandonment.”
She offered tips for pet owners on how to keep their animals safe tonight. She encouraged people to exercise their animals before it got dark and to create a “little den” so they can “retreat to feel safe”.
“Cats like those little igloo beds, but wherever they choose to feel safe, and then close the curtains, close the windows, play some music and stay home.”
For farm animals, Vaughan recommended moving them to an area where they know there won’t be fireworks.
She urged those who were setting off fireworks tonight to “please let your neighbours know” so they can prepare and take steps to keep their pets safe, check to make sure it’s safe to light fireworks in your area, and “try to keep it to one night”.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the Police Commissioner’s opinion on publishing leaked audio, two charged over a barbershop attack, and David Beckham and the King swap fashion tips. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME