Photo: 123rf

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

What is Guy Fawkes night?

For many Kiwis, the English origins of this quaint 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, part of a group of English Catholics who had 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 crude in religious matters, and in later years the public were allowed to celebrate the survival of the king and mark the execution of the papists by lighting bonfires and fireworks.

Even today, in some parts of Britain, effigies of Fawkes, the Pope and unpopular politicians are carefully crafted into scarecrows and then thrown into public bonfires. Bonfire Night in Lewes is particularly spectacular, as groups of locals dress up and parade through the icy streets of the historic Sussex town, many carrying barrels of burning tar on their way to the fireworks display.

In Aotearoa, there have recently been calls to “remember, remember November 5” by marking the date as 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 restricted to just four days a year, from Saturday, November 2 to Tuesday, November 5.

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

For a long time, the Depot was the place in Aotearoa to look for rockets and flares. The company stopped selling them in 2021However, he said they did not reflect the company’s values ​​and that most of his clients preferred public displays.

You’ll now find them in stores and street stalls like Crackerjack, Cracker Shack, Online Fireworks, Pyro Company, Boom Brothers and Litworks.

Photo: 123rf

Where can I set off fireworks?

Most New Zealand councils allow fireworks to be set off on any private property year-round, provided the owner’s permission is obtained.

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

“Keep in mind that other people, including your neighbors, may not enjoy your sound and sight, and pets may also be distressed by them.”

“Of course, enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner, but please be respectful of others who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks.”

The council had long campaigned to ban the purchase and private use of fireworks, he said.

Where are fireworks prohibited?

If you want to light fireworks outside your home, you’re probably out of luck.

Campfires are allowed 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 prohibits the private use of fireworks in certain areas. He The updated list can be found on their website..

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

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

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

The maunga, which includes One Tree Hill, North Head, Mt Roskill and Mt Albert, will be closed from 6pm until normal gate opening time 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 in northwest Auckland will be closed to all vehicles from November 2 to 11 of this yearto mitigate the risk of fire, the council said.

Can I buy fireworks now and set them off later in the year?

Nothing prevents fireworks from being launched any night of the year, and they often appear in our skies during sports matches, concerts, cultural events such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year’s Eve, as well as the Lunar New Year. Year.

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

How do I set off fireworks safely?

If you have to ask, the short answer is: don’t.

FENZ says there should always be a responsible adult near fireworksand should not be lit in windy or dry conditions.

Obviously, keep children and animals safe, don’t aim fireworks at people, property, plants or pets, choose a location away from anything that could catch fire and walk away once they are lit.

Keep water or a fire extinguisher on hand in case the rockets go missing; Roof fires are common during this time. And dispose of them safely, for example by soaking them in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

Where can I watch public fireworks displays?

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

This year, public events include (entrance fees apply):

• Whangārei Fireworks Spectacular, Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei, 6-9pm, Saturday 2 November
• Fireworks Spectacular, Waikaraka Family Speedway, Onehunga, Auckland, 7-10pm, Saturday 2 November
• Blast in the Park, Anderson Park, Havelock North, 5.30pm-9.15pm, Friday 1 November.
• Fireworks Night at Meeanee Speedway, Napier, 6.30pm, 2 November.
• Coca-Cola Fireworks, Nelson Speedway, 6-10 p.m., Nov. 2.

Anyone performing an indoor or outdoor fireworks display must have written permission from Fire and Emergency.

You must give 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 hell for fur parents whose dogs, cats or ponies end up shivering in a corner or galloping around in panic, and the SPCA has long called for a ban on the sale and private use of fireworks.

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

Concert for Animals will stream for free on November 5 and seeks to reduce the harm that fireworks can cause by playing a variety of music to calm, engage and enrich animals.

If that doesn’t calm your dog or cat, SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan suggests talking to your vet now about possible medications and making sure pets are indoors after dark, to prevent them from escaping.

Are fireworks dangerous?

Each year, hospitals report injuries related to fireworks displays, whether public or private.

Last year, fireworks at the Auckland’s Waikaraka Speedway landed in crowd, burning spectators.

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

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