Fireworks go on sale from today but there's concern major retailers are making it difficult for authorities to control private fireworks displays.
While Auckland Council is clamping down on Guy Fawkes, an increasing number of food outlets are cashing in on the fireworks trade.
For four days of the year fireworks are a booming business and more retailers are looking for ways to cash in. Hell Pizza has got a slice of the action; it's selling fireworks alongside pizza orders, even offering home deliveries.
And for the first time Mad Butcher shops are stocking fireworks.
Auckland councillor Cathy Casey is worried that means more chances for fireworks to get into the wrong hands.
"We're trying to make fireworks safer," she says. "We want to reduce uncontrolled displays. We want to reduce accidents, and here it just looks like we've opened up a Pandora's Box."
This year Auckland Council banned fireworks from public places. That means fireworks at beaches and parks are out, but public displays or on private property still get the green light.
"Personally I take it as a snub to council that the retailers are saying, 'We can do what we like and you can't tell us what to do,'" says Ms Casey.
The worry is DIY fireworks displays will put people, animals and property at risk. Last night a horse was spooked by fireworks and broke through a fence south of Hamilton. It ran onto the state highway and was killed by a car.
"It's just a timely reminder for people – if you have animals, take them to the back of the property away from the fences, make sure they are safe before people let their fireworks off for the evening," says Inspector Freda Grace.
Ms Casey's concerns are echoed by 26,000 people who have signed a petition calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks. It will be reviewed by Parliament's select committee on Guy Fawkes Day.
3 News
source: newshub archive
