KEY POINTS:
Fireworks will be on sale for only three days next year and they will be sold only to people over 18, the Government said today.
Environment Minister David Benson-Pope said he had stopped short of a total ban but it was still a possibility in the future.
"I believe the best approach at this stage is to tighten up the laws around sale," he said.
"Guy Fawkes is a fun event for thousands of families, and fireworks-releated damage is caused by a small group of mostly young people. I don't feel it's fair on New Zealanders to ban fireworks sales at this stage because of the actions of a minority."
At present, fireworks can be sold for 10 days, from October 27 to November 5, and the age limit is 14.
Next year they will be on sale from November 3 to November 5.
Mr Benson-Pope said sparklers would not be sold separately, only as part of larger fireworks packs.
This was to discourage the dangerous trend of "sparkler bombs".
The Government started considering further restrictions or a ban last year after the police reported increasing incidents of damage and injury before and after Guy Fawkes.
"I have listened to the various groups that do want a ban, and I am still open to that possibility in the future," he said today.
"We want to see fireworks users behaving responsibly, being aware of and avoiding fire risk, guarding the personal safety of themselves and others, and being aware of the effect the noise has on animals.
"I understand the frustration the Police and the Fire Service teams feel when faced with problems over Guy Fawkes, and I hope these new restrictions will send a message that deliberate harm or damage is criminal and is being clamped down on."
Documents released with the minister's statement said raising the age limit should mean fewer incidents in and around schools.
Retailers will break the law if they sell fireworks to people under 18, and those buying them will have to present identification in the same way as purchasing tobacco or alcohol.
In further moves, officials will work with the fireworks industry next year on ways to improve the design, construction and performance of fireworks.
This is intended to result in less explosive and unnecessarily noisy retail fireworks in 2008.
- NZPA
