Fireworks, Guy Fawkes bonfires and sky lanterns

Sale of fireworks

Firework sales are restricted to a four-day period from 2 November until 5 November each year. 

These regulations do not ban the public from using fireworks at other times of the year.

Only parliament can make new regulations on the sale and control of fireworks.

For more information, see Hazardous Substances (Fireworks) Regulations 2001.

Where and when you can light fireworks

You can light fireworks on private property:

• from 5pm to 10.30pm every day during the year
• up to 1am on 1 January for New Year.

Where you cannot light fireworks

You cannot light fireworks on council-controlled land, such as:

• beaches
• parks and reserves.

You also cannot light fireworks on Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains).

You are prohibited from lighting fireworks:

• in forests
  
• in conservation areas

• on road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.

How to use fireworks safely and considerately

• Inform your neighbours, if possible, and avoid using them after 10pm.
  
• Have water or fire extinguishers handy.
• Read and follow handling instructions carefully.
  
• Do not light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
• Do not point fireworks at any person, animal, property or vegetation.
• Always have a responsible adult present.
• Keep pets inside or move animals to avoid stress.

For more safety information see the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

Where you can light Guy Fawkes bonfires

On public land

It is illegal to light an outdoor fire in any public place within Auckland under the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, unless we have given prior approval.

This applies to all:

• beaches
  
• parks
• conservation areas
• forests
  
• road surfaces, berms or footpaths on your street.

On residential private land

Bonfires are not allowed in residential areas at any time.

On rural private land

During Guy Fawkes (2-5 November), bonfires are allowed on private land in rural areas but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguish them before nightfall.

You need to:

• comply with the general fire safety guidelines
• get a fire permit, from Fire and Emergency New Zealand during a Restricted Fire Season.

For fire permit application and information about the current fire seasons see www.checkitsalright.nz website.

Sky lanterns

Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, are a fire risk when left to fly away.

You may only use sky lanterns if you can secure and fix them so they cannot float away.