Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Hamish Smith. Video / Andrew Warner
Bay residents are being reminded to celebrate Guy Fawkes safely and sensibly from home this year, with most public displays cancelled due to Covid-19 alert level restrictions.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Hamish Smith said he expected there to be more fireworks set off from home dueto Delta level 2 restrictions.
"Normally we would encourage people in the community to go to community displays," he said.
"This year there aren't as many larger community displays because we can't have big groups. So I think it will see people go back to celebrating Guy Fawkes as a family or as a bubble, perhaps with their neighbours."
Paradise Valley's Speedway will open its racing season on Friday night without its popular Fireworks Spectacular. The Rotorua Guy Fawkes event usually attracts a crowd of thousands and managing social distancing rules at the venue would not be possible.
Taupō's Starlight Cinema Centre fireworks extravaganza, an event 20 years running, which attracted thousands of spectators annually, was cancelled in October.
In Tauranga, Baypark Speedway's Fireworks Spectacular has also been canned due to alert level 2 restrictions.
Guy Fawkes could look very different in 2021. Photo / NZME
Guy Fawkes is celebrated on November 5 each year, traditionally with fireworks and bonfires. It marks the unsuccessful "Gunpowder Plot" to blow up the British Parliament, led by Guy Fawkes more than 400 years ago.
Between Guy Fawkes 2019 and 2020, Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called out to 34 fireworks-related incidents in the Bay of Plenty.
On average, fire and emergency crews across New Zealand have been called to about 200 fireworks-related incidents each Guy Fawkes period in recent years.
According to data reported by ACC, fireworks injury claims and costs for 2021 nationwide amounted to $264,392 as of August 31.
ACC data recorded between 2010 and 2019 showed 2,710 claims for injuries caused by fireworks.
The most common injuries caused by fireworks were burns, soft tissue injuries, lacerations and injuries to eyes.
This amounted to a cost of nearly $2 million to New Zealand taxpayers over the decade.
The most at-risk groups for fireworks-related injuries are children under 10 and men aged under 35.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Hamish Smith. Photo / Andrew Warner
Smith said it was important for people to plan and be prepared before they light their fireworks.
"This year we have the wind to contend with. So you have to be sure the hot projectiles aren't landing in hot grass or dry material," he said.
"Even for those of us who deal with fire every day, the first thing is to read the instructions. Understand what you're lighting. Work out if you've got the gear you need to light them responsibly."
Smith said that might seem obvious but the reminder was necessary.
"Enjoy your fireworks safely with your family. Enjoy yourself - but be sensible."
Retail New Zealand chief executive Greg Harford said the demand for fireworks had declined.
"We are seeing reduced demand for fireworks over time. They're a good fun pastime for families but they are appealing to fewer people as public displays get bigger and better."
Harford said it would also be difficult for customers to have access to fireworks retailers.
"You typically won't be able to put fireworks on a courier and get them delivered. I think it would be difficult to see things delivered over a three-day window."
Fireworks are classified as "dangerous goods" and cannot be sent by ordinary post or courier.
