Auckland Council has voted to take its opposition to private fireworks sales to the Government.
The council's Governing Body met on Thursday to vote on the issue, after almost 90 percent of the 7997 public submissions on the proposed ban favoured it.
The feedback and recommendations helped to inform the Governing Body on their decision to make changes to the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw.
- Auckland Council mulls ban on public sale of fireworks
- Guy Fawkes: Auckland Council readies the fire extinguisher
- Who was Guy Fawkes and is he responsible for New Zealand's noisy fireworks?
"I don't think this is an end to fireworks. Fireworks are much more widespread than they used to be," Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said.
"I think we have a clear steer from Aucklanders as to what their view is. We have a resolution that says we should convey that view to Parliamentarians and to ministers."
A motion by councillors Cathy Casey and Fa'anana Efeso Collins was made last year seeking the council's support for the Government to introduce legislation, and it was referred for public consultation.
"Year-round, fireworks cause unnecessary distress and injury to people, animals, birds and livestock and misuse of fireworks puts huge pressure on emergency services through unnecessary fires, property damage and injuries," Ms Casey said.
She said on Thursday: "It's time to ban the private sale of fireworks."
"A ban will significantly reduce the number of bylaw complaints about the setting off of fireworks on private property received by Council, significantly reducing the demand for council resources."
Now that the motion has passed, Auckland Council will request that the New Zealand Government introduce legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and end their private use.
"Public displays means the spectacle of fireworks can be enjoyed by everyone while families and pets are kept safe," Ms Casey said.
She said a ban will "significantly reduce the number of bylaw complaints about the setting off of fireworks on private property received by Council, significantly reducing the demand for council resources".
Newshub.
