Fireworks Ban Uncalled For

Media Release 22 February 2018
Family First NZ is rejecting a call from Auckland City Councillors to ban the sale and private use of fireworks, and says that a fireworks bbq party is one of the great family rituals for kiwi families.

“It is up to families to apply common sense and appropriate supervision while enjoying the festivities around Guy Fawkes Day,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“There is risk present in many activities that families and communities are involved in – contact sport, biking on public roads, playing at the local playground, trampolining, lighting a bbq, and many others. It is impossible to take away all risk, and to do so would actually do more harm than good. There is even risk associated with public fireworks displays as we witnessed at an All Blacks test at Eden Park in 2014.”

“Rather than taking away the fun and joy of fireworks, we should be promoting a safety message and encourage parents to strongly supervise any use of fireworks.”

“Regulations around the types of fireworks, who can sell them, and when they can be sold have been a positive step. Banning them altogether is an over-reaction. We should simply focus on getting rid of the ‘stupidity’ factor.”
ENDS

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