The sale of fireworks is regulated under the NZ Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The EPA sets all the rules for selling, storing and importing fireworks for retail purposes.
Retailers may only sell or display fireworks for four days each year beginning 2 November through to 5 November. People can use fireworks at any time of the year.
Can Council ban the sale or use of fireworks?
Fireworks are a legal product meaning Council cannot ban them - only central Government can make that decision - but we can help regulate their sale. Retailers don't need a permit from council to sell fireworks, but they must ensure they are complying with the EPA’s rules and what is set out in the Rotorua District Plan.
Under the Rotorua District Plan, these are the only zones where the retail of fireworks is permitted:
- As temporary activity (expo stalls and markets) in the Commercial 1, 2 and 6 zones
- As “retail” in the City Centre 1, 2 and 3 zones.
They must also meet the relevant permitted activity performance standards in those zones to be considered a permitted activity.
