23 October 2007
Government agencies have united to promote fireworks safety and publicise the new rules for selling fireworks.
The increase in public concern about the damage from fireworks has
resulted in access to fireworks being significantly curtailed for the
first time in over 20 years.
This year, fireworks will only be on sale for four days (2 – 5 November)
and only to those aged 18 and over. Previously the sale period was 10
days and fireworks were available to people 14 years and over. There are
also new controls on sales of sparklers to avoid bulk buying and damage
when they are combined to make a ‘sparkler bomb’.
The New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Police, Environmental Risk
Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) and Ministry for the Environment
are working together to help make Guy Fawkes 2007 safer than recent
years.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Forlong says the number of fires
and amount of damage caused last year put a strain on the Fire Service
and can’t be repeated. “Fireworks can cause harm and damage when not
used sensibly. When people start using them to deliberately cause damage
it ruins a night for all the families who enjoy the backyard fun of a
fireworks display. The new rules should make people realise how serious
it is to use explosives. They should also make life easier for emergency
services.
“The new rules also give a signal to adults that they must supervise
their children and teenagers and speak up when they see people causing
mischief or harm.”
Mr Forlong says fireworks should only be used at organised events either
at home or at a public display. Anyone organising a public fireworks
display should get in touch with ERMA to add their event to the list
being published on a new Guy
Fawkes website.
The agencies have developed a website (www.GuyFawkes2007.govt.nz)
to publicise the new rules, provide safety information and information
for retailers and to advertise the location of public fireworks displays
around the country. The Warehouse, Progressive Foods and Foodstuffs will
display posters in their stores to support this year’s safety messages.
For further information contact:
David Venables, Communications Manager, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 4 918 4835 • Mobile 021 224 3304
• Facsimile +64 4 914 0433 • Email:
david.venables@ermanz.govt.nz