Govt sniffs air on fireworks

The Government will consider reviewing fireworks legislation if there is a clear public desire to ban their sale, says Environment Minister David Benson-Pope.

The Fire Service, SPCA, local councils and some medical professionals have all called for a ban on sales following a rash of fires and property damage throughout the country in the past week.

A spokesman for Mr Benson-Pope said he would look at the issue and if there was a clear public desire for change, it would be considered.

Parliament debated a ban in 1994 and 1996, but decided a few irresponsible people should not prevent others using fireworks. But it passed regulations limiting the strength of fireworks and introducing a minimum age of 14 for buying them.

Labour's Christchurch Central MP, Tim Barnett, has added his voice to those who say a ban on fireworks sales should be evaluated. He wanted to discuss the issue with the Fire Service and other agencies.

"To me it is all about evidence that there is a threat; and if there is, that is something I would take back to my colleagues."

Mr Barnett said the fireworks debate tended to occur in the week leading up to Guy Fawkes night, but then disappeared. A good test of the public mood would be if the debate continued next week. "It's a finely balanced thing between personal freedoms and the nanny state."

Play it safe tonight

* Choose a safe, open space.

* Store fireworks in a closed box away from heat and flames, and out of the reach of children. Do not carry them in pockets.

* Children should be supervised.

* Read and follow the instructions. Never modify fireworks in an attempt to get a bigger bang.

* Place fireworks firmly in dirt or sand, or on a flat, level surface. Light at arm's length.

* Don't go near fireworks that have been lit but fail to go off.

* Keep animals indoors.

* Don't throw fireworks.

* Keep water nearby.