A majority of New Zealanders support banning the public sale of fireworks despite both major political party leaders opposing the move, according to the latest 1News Verian poll.
The poll asked voters whether they supported or opposed banning the public sale of fireworks.
It found 58% supported a ban, while 31% opposed. The remaining 11% either didn't or preferred not to say.
The results come as fireworks are set to go on sale from November 2, just days before the election, with the issue becoming part of the political debate.
A ban would go against the stance of the two major party leaders, but was in line with several minor parties as the issue enters the election debate. (Source: 1News)
Several parties had backed calls for a ban on public firework sales, including New Zealand First and the Green Party.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the issue was not about freedom, but about "doing the smart thing now".
"You wait till Guy Fawkes night, it will be massive again, when all this damage is being done," he said.
Meanwhile, ACT leader David Seymour had left the door open to a ban, despite his party previously opposing one.
"We've been focused on animal welfare in other ways such as dog tethering rules. However, it's something we will consider," he said.
National leader Christopher Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins both ruled out supporting a ban when questioned during the TVNZ leaders debate.
The SPCA had been calling for a ban on public firework sales for more than a decade, citing concerns about animal welfare.
SPCA chief scientific officer Arnja Dale said fireworks caused significant distress to animals, with the effects extending well beyond Guy Fawkes night.
"People stockpile, and they use them throughout the year, which makes managing cats and dogs and horses and other animals that have fear and anxiety to fireworks really, really difficult to manage them and keep them safe," she said.
SHARE ME