Fireworks fun still likely

SORTED: St Mary's Catholic School principal Ben Fuller is confident the school's annual fireworks display will still go off with a bang. Photo / John Borren

BAY retailers are confident their fireworks supplies will still hit shelves in time for Guy Fawkes festivities after a disaster in China halted fireworks shipments.

In August two massive explosions at a warehouse at the port of Tianjin, northern China, killed more than 100 people and halted shipments carrying thousands of tonnes of fireworks set for the Pacific, Europe and India.

Pyro Company Fireworks director Len Julian said most New Zealand fireworks importers had been seriously affected and it was now a race against the clock for their shipments to arrive before the Guy Fawkes season.

"I'm expecting there are going to be some very panicked importers putting pressure on their shipping companies and border authorities like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Worksafe to try to get fast clearance for their shipments," he said.

St Mary's Catholic School principal Ben Fuller is confident the school's annual fireworks display will still go off with a bang. The school's fireworks suppliers had received a shipment from the United States and this year's event would still go ahead.

Mr Fuller said this year, the school spent about $15,000 on fireworks.

"It's not just about getting everybody along to the food stalls and the gala. It's about the community event and putting on a good show," he said.

Bay suppliers were also confident their shipments would reach shelves in time.
A spokesman for Hyalite Tauranga was confident his order of fireworks would arrive in time for the big rush.

"At this stage I'm not affected. I'm confident I'm going to be selling fireworks," he said.
Last year Hell Pizza geared up to sell fireworks, with delivery.

This year Bethlehem's store owner Sandy Dhot said the Hell Pizza main office had received its shipment and the local store would supply again this season.

"We are still waiting because there are rules and regulations but we will be selling by November 2," she said.