Nga pahupahū, tahunga ahi Guy Fawkes me ngā rama ā-rangi Fireworks, Guy Fawkes bonfires and sky lanterns

Fireworks are dangerous and pose a high fire risk. You must make sure you are using them safely.

Sale of fireworks

Firework sales are restricted to a four-day period from 2 November until 5 November each year. 

These regulations do not ban the public from using fireworks at other times of the year.

Only parliament can make new regulations on the sale and control of fireworks.

For more information, see Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001.

Where and when you can light fireworks

You can light fireworks on private property:

• from 5pm to 10.30pm every day during the year
• up to 1am on 1 January for New Year.

You cannot light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as:

• beaches
• parks and reserves.

You also cannot light fireworks on Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains).

You are prohibited from lighting fireworks:

• in forests
• in conservation areas
• on road surfaces, berms The grass area between the road and the footpath or property boundary. Also refers to grass area between water table/drain and fence/property boundary. Property owners are typically responsible for maintaining the berm in front of their property. Also known as the verge. or footpaths on your street.

• Inform your neighbours, if possible, and avoid using them after 10pm.
  
• Have water or fire extinguishers handy.
• Read and follow handling instructions carefully.
  
• Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
• Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.
• Always have a responsible adult present.
• Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.

For more safety information see the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

It is illegal to light an outdoor fire in any public place within Auckland under the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, unless we have given prior approval.

This applies to all:

• beaches
  
• parks
• conservation areas
• forests
  
• road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.

Bonfires are not allowed in residential areas at any time.

During Guy Fawkes (2-5 November), bonfires are allowed on private land in rural areas but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguish them before nightfall.

You need to:

• comply with the general fire safety guidelines
• get a fire permit, from Fire and Emergency New Zealand during a Restricted Fire Season.

For fire permit application and information about the current fire seasons see www.checkitsalright.nz website.

Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away.

You may only use sky lanterns if you can secure and fix them so they cannot float away.