Fireworks in New Zealand

In New Zealand, fireworks are used on Guy Fawkes Night, an annual tradition originating in England that celebrates the failure of Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, to blow up the House of Lords. Many New Zealanders, however, are unaware of the origins of this tradition. Other uses of fireworks take place at New Year, as well as during Māori new year festival, Matariki. As New Zealand has become more multicultural, the use of fireworks for Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights, and Chinese New Year has increased.

Fireworks can only be sold to people aged 18 and over, and only for four days a year, from 2 November to 5 November (before and during Guy Fawkes Night). Fireworks can, however, be used throughout the year. Since 1994, skyrockets and firecrackers have been banned. In a 2023 poll conducted by AA Insurance, 53% of respondents said that they wanted fireworks banned for private recreational use and 20% of respondents said that they wanted an outright ban on fireworks in New Zealand.