Safety campaign ready for fireworks sales period

26 October 2006

The joint safety initiative between the Environmental Risk Management Authority, Ministry for the Environment, Police and Fire Service has gone up a gear, ready for the annual fireworks sales period which starts tomorrow.

ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Forlong says it is the first time the four agencies have worked together to get out a safety message nationally, and the public response has justified the amount of work put in.

Over the past few weeks the agencies have distributed 180,000 safety pamphlets and posters through Neighbourhood Support, schools, community police and fire stations. In some areas, such as Southland, police and firefighters have taken the message directly into secondary schools.

The Warehouse and Progressive Enterprises supermarkets will also display the leaflets.

A temporary website www.GuyFawkes2006.govt.nz aimed at highlighting fireworks safety received over 2000 hits almost as soon as it appeared last week, Mr Forlong said.

"Response to the website's list of public fireworks display venues around the country has been positive, with people from Northland to Otago continuing to add their local Guy Fawkes events to the list."

"With the cooperation of the public, and a bit of luck with the weather, we could make this the best Guy Fawkes in years," Mr Forlong said.

For more information call:

ERMA New Zealand: Acting Public Awareness Manager Helen Corrigan (04) 918 4835

Ministry for the Environment: Senior Communications Advisor Karen Coltman 021 574 156.

Fire Service: Iain Butler 027 444 8379

Police: Acting Manager External Relations Susan Williams (04) 470 7269.