Porirua City will ask residents for their views on the
private sale and use of fireworks, before deciding whether to lobby Government
for a ban.
The Elsdon Residents Association, with the support of
an advocate kaumatua of Ngāti Toa Rangatira,
has asked Council to lobby central Government to ban the sale of fireworks and
end their private use. This is the same ban proposal that Auckland Council
recently decided to take to Government after receiving widespread public
support.
The City Delivery Committee decided at its meeting
today that the Council would seek feedback from the wider community prior to
deciding whether or not to advocate for any changes. The Government would need
to introduce legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and
end their use on private property, because local councils only control
fireworks use on public land.
“We want to find out where Porirua people stand on
this, so we can make decisions that reflect and represent those views,” says
Committee Chairperson, Councillor Anita Baker.
“We’ve heard from a section of the community, but we’d
like to have a wider conversation and hear how others feel about private
fireworks.”
The request from Elsdon Residents Association gave a
number of reasons for banning private fireworks sales including the fire risk,
antisocial use, stress to pets and wildlife, disturbances for children, elderly
and shift workers, pressure on emergency services and other stress concerns.
The request noted that Guy Fawkes is not a traditional
New Zealand event and suggested that people enjoy public displays rather than
be able to buy and set off fireworks themselves.
Cr Baker says the Council will canvas public opinion
through social media and other informal engagement and would let the community
know how and when to have their say.
“We’ll be looking at the best ways to collect your
feedback, so start having a think about where you stand, keep an eye on our
Facebook page, and we’ll be in touch.”
4 Apr 2019
