Think of others and use fireworks safely this Guy Fawkes season

Brian from Mount Roskill

Guy Fawkes is just around the corner and with fireworks going on sale in Tamāki Makaurau, here’s a reminder on the rules and tips, so you, your friends and whānau can enjoy fireworks safely.
Aotearoa New Zealand has strict rules around the purchase and sale of fireworks. They’re sold for four days leading up to and including Guy Fawkes (2 to 5 November 2024). Not just anyone can buy fireworks – you must be 18 years old and have a valid ID.
Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Community Safety Committee urges people letting off fireworks to be mindful of others.
“Some Aucklanders enjoy the Guy Fawkes season, but for others it can be an unsettling and worrying time.
“Fireworks can be enjoyed on private property in Tamāki Makaurau, but please be aware that others, including your neighbours may not enjoy the sound and sight of them and pets can also be distressed by them.”
“By all means enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner, but please be respectful to others who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks.”
“Auckland Council has long held the view that central Government should ban the private sale of fireworks, and has taken opportunities in the past to present this view.”
Enjoying fireworks safely and responsibly
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Fireworks can only be let off on private property.
It is not legal to light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as parks and beaches, across the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Lighting fireworks is also prohibited in forests, conservation areas and on road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority will close public access to 14 maunga across Tāmaki Makaurau from Saturday 2 November 2024 to Tuesday 5 November 2024 to protect them from fires. This is the sixth year in a row the Authority has closed our maunga.
Make sure yourself and others stand well back from fireworks once they are lit.
Inform your neighbours if possible and avoid using fireworks after 10pm.
Have water or a fire extinguisher handy.
Read and follow fireworks handling instructions carefully.
Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.
Always have a responsible adult present.
Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.
On rural private land during Guy Fawkes (2-5 November) bonfires are allowed but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguished before nightfall. During a Restricted Fire Season a permit is need from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away. They must be secured.
Don’t store fireworks after Guy Fawkes as it’s hard to know if they’ll be safe to use at a later date.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand advises visiting its website for restrictions and fire safety advice.
Looking out for pets during Guy Fawkes
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Elly Waitoa, Auckland Council Animal Management Manager says people should be extra mindful of their pets during the days leading up to Guy Fawkes and the day itself.
“Pets can be extremely sensitive to the sounds and light produced by fireworks. They can react negatively and become distressed.”
“Organise a safe place inside for your pets and pay extra care to them during this time.
“Please ensure your pets are safe and well confined if you aren’t at home with them during the Guy Fawkes period.”
Ms Waitoa also says the time around Guy Fawkes usually sees an increase in the number of dogs entering council animal shelters.
“Make sure your dog is registered and microchipped. This will make it easier for you to be reunited with your dog if it gets lost.”
Think about where you let off fireworks
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Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council’s General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says Aucklanders should give some thought to where they let off fireworks.
“I hope people have a safe and enjoyable time letting off fireworks on their own property.”
“Please be aware that using fireworks in parks and on beaches across Auckland is not allowed.”
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ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/10/think-of-others-and-use-fireworks-safely-this-guy-fawkes-season
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