Where to see Rotorua, Taupo Guy Fawkes displays

As fireworks go on sale firefighters are urging residents to be safe and responsible when celebrating Guy Fawkes this year.

Fireworks can be bought from today until November 5 and while members of the public can enjoy their own displays, there are also organised public displays in Rotorua and Taupo.

In Rotorua, the Rotorua Stock Car Club is hosting the CC Tyres Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday which will feature 15 minutes of fireworks.

In Taupo, one of the biggest fireworks displays the town has seen is planned for Owen Delany Park also on Saturday night.

The Starlight Cinema Fireworks Extravaganza in association with Classic Hits 96.8FM is a firm favourite on the events calendar.

Classic Hits' Stephen Spargo says with the gates opening at 5pm and band Recliner playing before the fireworks, there would be entertainment for the whole family. If the event has to be postponed due to weather it will be held the following night.

Rotorua Fire Service station officer Gary Balment said no extra staff would be working for Guy Fawkes but he hoped people would be safe and sensible with fireworks although he preferred people going to organised displays.

Whakatane Fire Service chief fire officer Ken Clark said he did not want to see anyone injured or any property damaged as a result of fireworks and hoped people would be responsible.

He said people were generally better educated now.

Gordon Miller, who is selling his products from the firewood yard next to the Lake Rd bridge, said he would be taking his stock off-site every night after having $1200 of fireworks stolen last year.

Mr Miller said the amount of money Rotorua people spent on fireworks varied but he recalled one woman buying six $220 packs last year.

Fireworks are also available at The Warehouse, New World and a temporary fireworks shop has been set up along Fairy Springs Rd in Rotorua.

Admission to the CC Tyres Fireworks Spectacular, which is at the Paradise Valley Raceway, is $20 for adults, $10 children and $50 for a family pass. Racing starts at 7pm. - Additional reporting by Rebecca Malcolm