Story perspectives

NZ Committee Calls for End to Public Fireworks Sales

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

A four-member committee voted unanimously to recommend ending public sales of fireworks in New Zealand.
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg received the committee’s report and noted petitions with more than 95,000 signatures and 75,000 animal paw or hoof prints supporting the ban.
The SPCA reported that over a quarter of horse owners have seen fireworks-induced panic injuries, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the NZ Veterinary Association to back the ban.

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Story summary

A four-member committee voted unanimously to recommend ending public sales of fireworks in New Zealand.
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg received the committee’s report and noted petitions with more than 95,000 signatures and 75,000 animal paw or hoof prints supporting the ban.
The SPCA reported that over a quarter of horse owners have seen fireworks-induced panic injuries, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the NZ Veterinary Association to back the ban.