Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

John Key Refuses Fireworks Action


Fireworks Threaten Ranges Bush – John Key Refuses Fireworks Action

Waitakere Ranges communities are again facing the very real threat of bush fires, property damage and possible fatalities as Guy Fawkes and summer heat looms.

Community organisations and firefighters throughout the Ranges say that every year bush fires threaten people and property, destroy hectares of native bush and threaten protected native animals and plants because of the irresponsible use of fireworks.

“The pressure on volunteer rural fire services and local populations in isolated areas such as Piha and Karekare is unfair and unnecessary”, says Waitakere Ranges Local Board Chair Sandra Coney.

And the area’s combined Residents and Ratepayers Group representing the Heritage Area from Titirangi to Piha and Swanson says local MP for Helensville, Prime Minister John Key, has refused to discuss the issue or take action on fireworks.

Ms Coney wrote to Mr Key requesting a discussion on the regulation and sale of fireworks because of the risk of fire and threat to life, property and wildlife in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area (letter attached).

Mr Key replied to Ms Coney’s letter saying that “there are no current plans for further restrictions [on sale of fireworks] and that the Local Board should discuss regulation with the Department of Conservation.” However, DOC has no jurisdiction in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.

The Combined R&R Group, comprising representatives from 13 communities in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area, think the Prime Minister needs to show some leadership on the issue in his own electorate.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Chair and local fire brigade volunteer Kubi Witten-Hannah says: “Our communities are having to police and regulate the use of fireworks in these isolated and rugged settlements themselves in order to prevent disasters caused by people from outside the area letting off fireworks at baches and beaches. At Piha there have been several major fires over recent years caused by fireworks and we are very lucky no one has been killed. If something isn’t done, it’s only a matter of time.”

The group would like to see improved regulation on use and tighter restrictions on the private sale of fireworks.

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.