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Guy Fawkes is set to light up our skies, after the coalition government rejected parliament’s recommendation to ban public sales and private use earlier this year.
Last year, Hibiscus Matters asked readers for their thoughts on the celebration, and the responses were unanimous: animals, fire risks, and relevance are all questioned.
“A few minutes of loud bangs and flashes in the sky are simply not worth the long-lasting pain that fireworks cause,” one reader said.
Others questioned whether it’s even something worth celebrating in Aotearoa New Zealand. “Why are we celebrating what was essentially a terrorist attack on the British parliament?”
One reader was concerned about the effects on local residents and their animals. “The toll of the mid-air, sudden explosions at any random time are not just dangerous for our dogs, cats, horses, birds and a multitude of farm and zoo animals, they are incredibly distressing and disturbing for those trying to protect animals, but also elderly, sick and generally exhausted people.”
As Guy Fawkes approaches, Hibiscus Coast residents are being urged to take care, with Auckland Council warning about fire risks, stressed pets and the impact on neighbours.
Fireworks can be sold from November 2-5, with purchasers required to be at least 18 years of age and show valid identification. They can only be set off on private property, not on council-controlled land such as parks and beaches.
Council advises residents to avoid setting off fireworks after 10pm, to keep pets safe, and to consider their neighbours. Forecast drier conditions and stronger westerly winds could increase fire risks, so residents are advised not to light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.
