Member consultation: Fireworks regulation Survey

Introduction

The Petitions Committee has invited the New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) to make a submission on three petitions relating to the public sale and use of fireworks. These petitions raise issues around animal welfare, public safety, environmental impacts, and cultural or community enjoyment.

We want to ensure our submission reflects the full range of views held by our members. This survey invites you to share your perspective on fireworks and on NZVA’s current position statement. Your responses will directly inform the NZVA submission.

The survey should take around 5–10 minutes to complete.

Responses are confidential and will only be used to guide NZVA’s submission.

Please complete the survey by 10am Monday 29 September 2025.

Key documents

- Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001

- Petition of Animates NZ Holdings Ltd: Pawprint Petition: Ban Public Fireworks Sales to help protect the Animals of NZ

- Petition of Raewyn Harrison: Ban the public sale of fireworks

- Petition of Suzanne Cook: Ban private sales of fireworks; allow only licensed public fireworks events

1.Which statement best reflects your personal view on the public sale of fireworks in New Zealand?

I support an outright ban on the public sale of fireworks (only licensed public displays allowed)

I support tighter restrictions but not a full ban (e.g. shorter sales period, stricter enforcement)

I oppose further restrictions (fireworks should remain available to the public as they are)

Unsure / need more information

Comments

2.How concerned are you about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare (pets, livestock, wildlife, zoo animals)?

Very concerned

Moderately concerned

Slightly concerned

Not concerned

Please provide any experiences or examples (optional)

3.In your view, how significant are fireworks-related risks to people (injuries, mental health, antisocial behaviour)?

Major concern

Moderate concern

Minor concern

Not a concern

Comments

4.How important do you consider the environmental impacts of fireworks (fires, air pollution, waste)?

Comments

5.How important is it to preserve the ability for individuals/families to use fireworks at home?

Comments

6.If the public sale of fireworks was restricted or banned, which alternatives would you support? (Select all that apply)

Professionally managed public displays (e.g. Guy Fawkes, New Year)

Use of quieter fireworks or alternatives (e.g. drones, light shows, laser displays)

Community-based events with managed safety and animal welfare considerations

No alternatives needed

Comments

7.What do you think NZVA’s position should be in its submission?

NZVA should support a ban on the public sale of fireworks

NZVA should support tighter regulation, but not a full ban

NZVA should maintain the status quo

NZVA should not take a position

Other (please specify)