Pitched as bringing "common-sense" to the harm fireworks cause to animals, the fires they start and the pressure they put on emergency services, NZ First's policy would end backyard fireworks while keeping organised public displays.

📋 NZ First: Ban Public Sales of Fireworks, October 2026 →

What it does

• Stops the retail sale, manufacture and importation of fireworks for public use, while still allowing approved public displays.
• Uses legislation NZ First says is already written, to be tabled within the first 100 days of the next government. The party lodged a member's bill proposing a ban in November 2025, RNZ reported.
• Is framed by NZ First as a response to costs for ACC and emergency services and to harm to farm animals and pets.
• Would replace current rules under which fireworks can be sold to people aged 18 and over for four days a year, from 2 to 5 November, with no nationwide limit on when they can be used, RNZ reported.

The debate

• Peters told RNZ it was "not a freedom issue" but about "a right to peaceful and harmonious living for both the community and for animals".
• National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins both answered "no" in the TVNZ leaders' debate when asked whether fireworks should be banned from public sale. In July the coalition government rejected a Petitions Committee recommendation for a ban, saying it would remove access to a long-standing legal activity, RNZ reported.
• ACT leader David Seymour opposed a ban in July but later said it was something ACT would consider, and the Green Party has also backed calls for a ban, 1News reported. A 1News Verian poll in October found 58% supported banning the public sale of fireworks and 31% opposed.