‘Political correctness’ reduces sales of fireworks
FIREWORKS sales are plummeting because people have become more ‘‘politically correct’’, a Dunedin retailer says.
Fireworks went on sale on Saturday, before Guy Fawkes day today.
Dunedin Hyalite Hydroponics manager Adrian Ruthven had ordered about half of his usual quantity of fireworks, 1.5 tonnes instead of 2.53 tonnes, because sales were trending down.
‘‘It’s been a bit quiet, it’s definitely down on last year,’’ he said.
‘‘People are losing interest in it. New Zealand’s slowly becoming more politically correct and a lot of people don’t want to upset their neighbours.’’
Fire risk management officer Mark Bredenbeck, of Dunedin, said the number of fireworksrelated callouts in the city was down on last year.
He also believed fewer people were selling fireworks this year.
‘‘It’s really good. It could just be a blip but hopefully it’s a trend that will continue, because it is a bit of a pain.’’
He was hoping today’s forecast rain would also keep issues to a minimum.
A total fire ban was in place in Central Otago, and anyone caught flouting the rules would be referred to police, Mr Bredenbeck said.
Anyone planning to set off fireworks should make sure they had a bucket of water on hand, keep an eye on where fireworks landed, and avoid setting them off anywhere near foliage.
Those keen to check out a public fireworks display around Otago have a few options.
In Lawrence, Simpson Park will host the Light Up Festival from 7pm10pm on Friday.
Also on Friday, Weston
School will hold a fireworks display at the Weston Domain at 7pm.
The annual Arrowtown Fireworks Display will also be held on Friday in Nairn St, from 7.30pm.