Government turns its back on public opinion and safety: Rejects Committee’s recommendation to ban public sale of fireworks

The Government has failed to respond to one of the clearest examples of public consensus on an animal welfare issue.

SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale says the Government has ignored public safety, animal welfare, scientific evidence and the wishes of New Zealanders.

"This is a profoundly disappointing decision that leaves animals to continue suffering for no good reason. The evidence of harm is clear, the public wants change, and Parliament itself clearly recommended action. Yet the Government has chosen to do nothing."

Every year, SPCA receives reports of companion animals experiencing severe fear and distress as fireworks are let off across neighbourhoods. Animals can panic, flee from their homes, injure themselves trying to escape, stop eating, or suffer prolonged anxiety that lasts well beyond the fireworks themselves.

A recent survey commissioned by SPCA found that 63% of New Zealanders support banning the private sale and use of fireworks while continuing to allow professionally run public displays - equivalent to around 2.42 million adults.

The Government's announcement follows the Committee's report in April this year recommending a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks while retaining professionally managed public displays.

This is the first time the Committee has recommended Government action on this issue.

"New Zealanders understand that we don't have to choose between celebrating and protecting animals. Professionally organised and notified public displays allow people to enjoy fireworks without the widespread and unpredictable harm caused by private use."

Dr Dale says the consequences also extend well beyond animal welfare.

"Fireworks don't just frighten animals, they start fires. Those fires threaten companion animals, horses, livestock, wildlife, homes and the people who respond to them."

"Fire and Emergency New Zealand recorded 67 fires caused by retail fireworks in 2022. That rose to 106 in 2023 and 166 in 2024; an increase of almost 150 percent in just two years. At a time when we are seeing increasingly dry conditions and more extreme fire weather, maintaining a policy that creates entirely preventable ignition sources is difficult to justify."

Dr Dale says these harms are entirely foreseeable and preventable.

"Every year we hear the same heartbreaking stories from devastated owners whose animals have been terrified, injured or lost because of fireworks. None of this is inevitable. It is the direct result of a policy choice.

“Horses can bolt through fences or into traffic when startled by fireworks, putting both animals and people at risk of serious injury. Farmed animals can panic, leading to injuries, lost pregnancies, or death. Native birds can abandon nests, become disorientated, or suffer injury and death as a result of loud explosions and bright flashes, particularly when fireworks are used near sensitive habitats or during breeding and nesting periods.

"For years, New Zealanders have been encouraged to engage with the democratic process by making submissions and signing petitions. More than 93,000 New Zealanders took the time to sign the current petitions, the evidence was assessed, and the Petitions Committee recommended Government action. Ignoring that recommendation sends a deeply disappointing message to the millions of New Zealanders who expected better."

SPCA remains committed to advocating for a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, while continuing to support professionally managed and notified public displays.

"This decision doesn't make the problem disappear. Every year that passes without reform means more animals will suffer unnecessarily, more communities will be exposed to avoidable fire risks, and more New Zealanders will be left wondering why overwhelming evidence and public support have been ignored."

"We can celebrate safely without causing widespread harm. The Government has missed an opportunity to protect animals, reduce fire risk and bring New Zealand's laws into line with public expectations. We will continue to advocate for change."