The job of amalgamating bylaws inherited by the Super City from the region's former councils keeps throwing up opportunities for officialdom. Earlier this year, there was the abortive attempt to stop the well-established scattering of ashes in public places. Now, in council officers' ideal world, there would be no place for Chinese lanterns, a good-luck custom for weddings and other celebrations that has caught on over the past few years.
They believe the mini paper balloons pose an unacceptable fire hazard when they descend to earth. Undoubtedly, that threat is present if they are released near areas that have dry crops, woodlands or grazing animals. A grass fire was caused by a lantern in Wairarapa in March last year. There is also a chance of them being sucked into aircraft engines or being mistaken for distress flares.
But the risk is slight, and a ban as part of an outdoor fire safety bylaw would be a grossly disproportionate response. As much is underlined by the very small number of incidents involving lanterns in this country. If these increase, the first step should be to restrict their use near areas where they pose a hazard if their fuel does not burn out fully before they descend, and to prohibit them at times when strong winds could blow them into such territory.
Otherwise, the lanterns appeal as a quieter alternative to fireworks. Arguably, they are also safer. On those grounds, their increasing popularity should be cautiously applauded. Grounding them would be a premature step.
