Photo: 123rf

Explanation – As another Guy Fawkes Night rolls around, you may be wondering when fireworks will go on sale, where they’re banned and how to protect stressed animals. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Guy Fawkes Night?

For many Kiwis, the very English origins of this picturesque annual event have been lost in the mists of time.

In fact, Guy Fawkes Night commemorates the arrest on November 5, 1605, of the titular Fawkes, a member of a group of English Catholics who attempted to assassinate the Protestant King James I and blow up the House of Lords in what became known as the Gunpowder Plot. . Post-Reformation England was still quite cruel on religious matters, and the public was later allowed to celebrate the survival of the king and mark the execution of papists by lighting bonfires and bonfires. artifice.

Even today, in parts of Britain, scarecrow-like effigies of Fawkes, the Pope and unpopular politicians are carefully made and then thrown onto public bonfires. Bonfire Night in Lewes is particularly spectacular, as neighborhood groups dress up and parade through the freezing streets of the historic Sussex town, many carrying barrels of burning tar on their way to the fireworks display.

In Aotearoa there have been recent calls to “remember, remember November 5” from marking the date of the invasion of Parihaka in Taranaki by colonial troops.

When and where can I buy fireworks for a Guy Fawkes party at home?

In New Zealand, the sale of fireworks is limited to four days per year, from Saturday 2 November to Tuesday 5 November.

Some stores offer a click and collect service, but the person collecting them must be over 18 and present valid ID.

For a long time, the warehouse was Aotearoa’s go-to place for flares and sparklers. The company stopped selling them in 2021however, saying they did not reflect the company’s values ​​and that most of its customers preferred public displays.

Now you’ll find them at stores and roadside stands like Crackerjack, Cracker Shack, Online Fireworks, Pyro Company, Boom Brothers, and Litworks.

Photo: 123rf

Where can I shoot fireworks?

Most local councils in New Zealand allow fireworks to be set off on any private property all year round, provided you have the owner’s permission.

Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s regulatory and community safety committee, said while Guy Fawkes was enjoyable for some, for others it could be an unsettling and worrying time.

“Please be aware that other people, including your neighbors, may not appreciate their noise and sight and that pets may also be upset by them.”

“Of course, enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly, but be respectful of others who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks.”

The council has long campaigned for a ban on the private purchase and use of fireworks, she said.

Where are fireworks prohibited?

If you want to set off fireworks far from home, you’re probably out of luck.

Bonfires are permitted on private rural land between November 2 and 5, but a permit may be required if your area is in a restricted fire season.

Each year, Fire and Emergency NZ bans the private use of fireworks in certain areas. THE the current list can be found on its website.

In most municipalities, the use of fireworks and bonfires is prohibited on all beaches and in public parks.

In Auckland, the ban extends to forests, conservation areas and roadsides, including berms, footpaths or the street itself.

And in line with recent yearsThe Tūpuna Maunga Authority is blocking public access to the 14 mountains and volcanic cones around Auckland from this Saturday, November 2 until Guy Fawkes Night to protect them from fires.

The maunga – comprising One Tree Hill, North Head, Mt Roskill and Mt Albert – will be closed from 6pm until normal gate opening times the following morning.

Authority chairman Paul Majurey said security teams would patrol the ancestral maunga during this period to remind the public of the restrictions.

Road access to Muriwai Beach, northwest of Auckland, will be closed to all vehicles from November 2 to 11 this yearto mitigate fire risks, the council said.

Can I buy fireworks now and then display them later in the year?

Nothing stops people from setting off fireworks any night of the year, and they often appear in our skies during sporting matches, concerts, cultural events such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year’s Eve, as well as Lunar New Year. Year.

However, it is not recommended to store fireworks long term as it may be difficult to know if they are still safe.

How to set off fireworks safely?

If you have to ask, the short answer is: no.

FENZ says a responsible adult should always be present where fireworks are involvedand they should not be lit in windy or dry conditions.

Obviously, ensure the safety of children and animals, do not direct fireworks at people, property, plants or pets, choose a location away from anything that could catch fire and keep well away from removal once they are lit.

Keep water or a fire extinguisher on standby in case any rockets go astray – roof fires are common at this time. And dispose of them safely, such as by soaking them in a bucket of water before throwing them in your trash.

Where can I see public fireworks?

The number of Guy Fawkes-specific public events has declined in New Zealand. You are more likely to see fireworks associated with council events around Christmas and New Year.

This year’s public events include (entrance fees apply):

• Whangarei Fireworks Spectacular, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei, 6pm-9pm, Saturday 2 November
• Fireworks Spectacular, Waikaraka Family Speedway, Onehunga, Auckland from 7pm to 10pm, Saturday 2 November
• Blast in the Park, Anderson Park, Havelock North, 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Friday, November 1.
• Meeanee Speedway Fireworks Evening, Napier, 6.30pm November 2.
• Coca-Cola Fireworks, Nelson Speedway, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. November 2.

Anyone organizing an indoor or outdoor fireworks display must have written authorization from firefighters and emergency services.

You must allow FENZ eight working days to process your permit application.

Labrador Penny is hoping for a less stressful Guy Fawkes this year.
Photo: Calvin Samuel

How can we protect our pets from fireworks-induced stress?

Guy Fawkes can be a hellscape for fur parents, whose dogs, cats or ponies end up shaking in a corner or galloping away in a panic – and the SPCA has long called for a ban on private sales and the use of fireworks.

This year, RNZ and the SPCA are hosting a special evening Guy Fawkes concert for animalswith specially selected music to calm your pets.

The Concert for Animals will be broadcast for free on November 5 and aims to reduce the harm that fireworks can cause by playing a range of music to calm, engage and enrich animals.

If this doesn’t calm your dog or cat, Dr Alison Vaughan, the SPCA’s chief scientific officer, suggests talking to your vet now about possible medications and making sure pets are indoors after dusk, to prevent them from running away.

Are fireworks dangerous?

Every year, hospitals report injuries related to fireworks – public or private.

Last year, a fireworks display at Auckland’s Waikaraka Speedway landed in crowds, burning spectators.

Videos taken from the stands showed people shouting “get down” and “help” as the fireworks hit them.

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