Hot demand for fireworks in Tauranga ahead of Guy Fawkes

As fireworks went on sale today in the lead-up to Guy Fawkes retailers were preaching safe fun to revellers stocking up.

Fireworks can be sold only between November 2 and November 5. Buyers must be 18 or over and have valid ID.

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Retailers at a pop-up stall in Papamoa came from Taranaki to get in on the Bay fireworks market.

"We've come to sunny Papamoa because we heard it's a really good selling place," Benjamin Teika said.

His stall had fireworks for big shows or smaller backyard family celebrations.

"Some customers can spend $200 up to $500 in one go," Mr Teika said.

Riki Nelson was one of the stall's first customers of the morning.

He was buying a big pack for Guy Fawkes, and putting aside for New Year's Eve and other celebrations.

Mr Nelson said he saved them for winter as well, when it got darker earlier.

A pop-up stall on Cameron Rd in Gate Pa was doing a cracker business.

"We've got the perfect spot and had plenty of sales," fireworks retailer Nikita Walker said.

She said Roman candles were the most popular - "they go off like a gun then explode in the air."

The Bad Boy fireworks had everything from starter packs to hardcore $165 "detonator packs".

The stall had fire safety pamphlets and the retailers had plenty of advice on how to avoid fires, burns and accidents.

My Pop Culture on Cameron Rd had steady sales of its Pyro Company fireworks.

Store manager Tom Gaudin estimated about 24 people had bought fireworks before midday at the store, though he had just put up a huge banner declaring the sale of fireworks.

Mr Gaudin said a bit of everything was selling.

"Depends on the age of the group and what they want to achieve. Adults go for a loud bang, the up-in-the-air fireworks. For kids it's the family pack with fountains and sparklers."

As usual, he was giving out safety advice with each sale, including not to hold fireworks because "there will be an explosion in your hands".