Making Guy Fawkes safer

29 October 2009

To keep beaches and parks safe for everyone this Guy Fawkes, Auckland City Council and New Zealand Police will be implementing a fireworks ban on public spaces.

"The ban is about keeping people safe in our city. While we don't want to stop people celebrating, we have a responsibility to prevent injuries. Too many people in a small space combined with fireworks and alcohol, creates a dangerous combination and is difficult to manage safely," says Councillor Paul Goldsmith, chairperson of the Community Services Committee.

The ban will not prevent people letting fireworks off on private property.

The ban is applicable between Tuesday, 3 November and Friday, 6 November and includes the following locations:

Achilles Point
Kohimarama beach
Ladies Bay
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Orakei Domain
Selwyn Domain
St Heliers Bay beach
Vellenoweth Green
Watene Reserve
Okahu Bay and Okahu Landing
Whenua Rangatira
Glover Park
Madills Farm
Tahuna Torea
Mechanics Bay
Tamaki Drive (from Mechanics Bay to Achilles Point).

In addition, gates to some of the city's parks on volcanic cones will be closed to vehicle traffic at the earlier time of 6pm between November 5 to 7. Parks affected are:

Maungawhau-Mt Eden
Owairaka-Mt Albert
Maungarei-Mt Wellington
Maungakiekie-One Tree Hill
Puketapapa-Mt Roskill
Michael Joseph Savage
Maungakiekie-One Tree Hill will also be closed to vehicle traffic on 31 October.