New Zealand First has today introduced a Member’s Bill that will ban the public sale and use of fireworks across New Zealand.

“The taxpayer should not be spending millions on something that drastically impacts pets, causes the inevitable fires, and causes havoc for our emergency services. Enough is enough” says New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters.

“The abuse and misuse of fireworks has far outgrown any of the benefits”.

“This is not about being ‘nanny state’, this is about bringing some common-sense into what is a desperately needed conversation about the future of fireworks in our community.”

“Many major retailers have already stopped selling fireworks long ago, and there have been calls from across the country to put a stop to the sale of fireworks completely"

The “Fireworks Prohibition Legislation Bill” will stop the retail sale, manufacture, and importation of fireworks for public use. It will still allow approved public displays to continue.

This Bill is a response to what is a hugely predictable and preventable costs for ACC, the huge costs of emergency service call outs, and most importantly stopping the effects reckless use of fireworks has on farm animals and family pets.

“New Zealand has come to a point where we seriously need to have this conversation and debate” says Mr Peters.

Note:

The Bill replaces the Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001 and amends the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and Summary Offences Act 1981.

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