Chinese Disaster Spells Quiet Season for NZ Fireworks Sales

Chinese Disaster Spells Quiet Season for NZ Fireworks Retailers

The Chinese Tianjen disaster may have repercussions for Guy Fawkes in New Zealand this year.

In August, two massive explosions at a warehouse at the port in the port of Tianjin, Northern China, killing more than a hundred people and devastating large areas of the city.

In the wake of the disaster, Chinese authorities rushed to regulate the distribution of all dangerous goods. Shipments carrying thousands of tonnes of fireworks destined for Europe, India and the Pacific were refused entry to Chinese ports, causing major headaches for importers.

The majority of New Zealand fireworks importers have been seriously affected, and it is a race against the clock for their shipments to arrive before the Guy Fawkes season.

Many New Zealand fireworks retailers are predicting shortages.

Pyro Company director Len Julian says that of the major fireworks retailers, only his firm, Pyro Company Fireworks and Hell Pizza, have confirmed that they have successfully received their 2015 fireworks orders.

“I’m expecting there are going to be some very panicked importers putting pressure on their shipping companies and border authorities like the EPA and Worksafe to try to get fast clearance for their shipments.

“It is highly likely that they won’t be able to beat the deadline and consumers will get a shock when they set out to buy their fireworks this November,” he said.

The petition to ban fireworks may have been rejected by parliament, but a national shortage of fireworks could mean that the 2015 Guy Fawkes season will be a quiet one.

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