Let's make 2006 the safest Guy Fawkes ever!
16 October 2006

Last year's fireworks season was characterised by a 40 per cent increase in the quantity of fireworks imported, and a significant increase in Police and Fire Service call outs.

In the ten-day period when fireworks were legally for sale last year (27 October to 5 November), fire fighters attended more than 700 firework-related fires – 70 per cent more fires than in 2004. During the same period Police attended about 1200 fireworks-related incidents, nearly a quarter of which were for disorderly behaviour, bomb incidents and property damage.

This year NZ Police, the NZ Fire Service and ERMA (Environmental Risk Management Authority) New Zealand are launching a firework safety campaign, Let's make 2006 the safest Guy Fawkes ever. Watch out for information in your local newspapers, and visit the website www.guyfawkes2006.govt.nz. As part of the campaign Police are working with Neighbourhood Support to get the safety message out to the community.

A promotional flyer has been produced to raise awareness about how to have a safe and fun Guy Fawkes Night. The flyers will be distributed to retailers and the community, including through Neighbourhood Support – to take advantage of its extensive national network.

Please help New Zealand to have a safe 2006 Guy Fawkes evening. Flyers can
be obtained from district representatives listed on the Contacts page.