Tag: Auckland Council

Fireworks Clarification

·

Council Clarifies on Fireworks

 

From Auckland Council

Clarifying use and sale of fireworks

 

Guy Fawkes has already started off with a bang and Auckland Council wishes to remind people of the dos and don’ts of buying and using fireworks.

Under government legislation, fireworks are available for only four days prior to Guy Fawkes, so sales will end this Wednesday evening, 5 November. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has strict retail requirements and retailers cannot sell to anyone under the age of 18. Additionally, Auckland Council does not permit fireworks sales in public places unless the seller holds a Street Trading licence.

There are rules in the Auckland region under the council’s Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw regarding the setting off of fireworks in public places. People are not allowed to light fireworks in public places unless they have written approval from the council.

Anyone setting off fireworks – whether at home or at a public display – should take extra care not to endanger people, pets or property around them and:

  • read instructions carefully
  • make sure that pets are indoors and out of harm’s way
  • think of your neighbours and don’t let fireworks off at unreasonable times, such as late at night.

 

If you wish to start up the BBQ or brazier, remember to use only dry, untreated wood so smoke is not a nuisance for neighbours.

Residents should contact council if they are concerned about the use of fireworks in public places or late night noise from fireworks. Council staff and Police are also patrolling beach/foreshore areas where there have been issues with the setting off of fireworks in previous years.

 

Further Information

  • For complaints regarding the sale of fireworks, contact the EPA during working hours:http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/pop_hs_topics/Pages/Fireworks—know-the-rules.aspx
  • For complaints regarding noise or the setting off of fireworks in public places, please contact Auckland Council at any time on 09 301 0101.
  • Complaints can be made directly to the Police where fireworks are being set off/thrown in a manner that is endangering people, as the Police have enforcement powers in relation to fireworks endangering people under the Summary Offences Act.

—-ends—-

 

I also note the Parliament is considering a full ban on sale (and use) of private fireworks. Thus I have the following to say:

This is where self regulation against your fellow peers is important. If they are doing something illegal or dumb then KICK THEM IN THE ARSE. It is either that or a total ban next year. Choice is simple, ball is in our court

So then will we have fireworks next year.?

 

Council Postpones Indoor Fire Decision

·

Trying to work more stuff out with Government

 

Well some could say this was coming.

From Auckland Council

Auckland Council postpones indoor fire decision

 

Auckland Council’s Governing Body today made a decision to postpone the passing of the Air Quality Bylaw. The proposed bylaw aims to manage indoor fires to reduce air pollution and meet National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (AQNES).

Councillors agreed that further discussion was needed with the government to meet their legislative requirement and garner support for the large number of Aucklanders this bylaw will affect.

Councillor Calum Penrose, Chair Regulatory and Bylaws Committee says, “We have over 80,000 households in Auckland that currently use open fires and old wood burners. We would like the government to work with us in providing people with clean heat alternatives and support the  more vulnerable in our community whose only form of heating is open fires.”

Cr Penrose recognised that the proposed bylaw needs to be put through to meet the AQNES and also for the overall health of the wider Auckland community – 110 people dying a year from illnesses due to fine particle emissions from indoor fires is another vital reason to rectify this problem.

The proposed Air Quality Bylaw will go back to the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee in February 2015 with further clarification on support for alternative heating options. The overall timeframe of an indoor fire ban in late 2018 is not expected to change.

—Ends—

 

And I bet all the Government will do for “support” on alternative heating options is garner the big stick rather than rebates and subsidies. So might as well get the Bylaw through and be done with it. We have until 2018.

My last piece of commentary on it was here: Fire Places – Heated? Actually No

 

Fire Place Restrictions Kicked Into Touch

·

Now moved to February

 

The new Bylaw to place restrictions and bans on pre 2005 wood burners in Auckland homes has been kicked into touch – February 2015 looking at Twitter and MSM reports.

Council is due to release more details later on today.

No matter the delays however, the City is still faced with the inevitable. We either get the Bylaw in ourselves under our own steam or have it done for us by the Ministry for the Environment.

 

More as it happens