10 Comments

I agree with you on this matter. Kick Guy Fawkes to the cultural kerb. Recognising and remembering our own history at Parihaka would be appropriate. Bye bye publicly available fireworks 🎆

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I've am unashamedly a grinch about Guyfawkes. Like others I did enjoy bonfires and letting off crackers as kids-a very long time ago. My option now is definitely B. I do love the big displays- I have been in a friend's high rise apartment close to Sydney Harbour Bridge viewing their New Years display- beautiful, stunning,magnificent. Australia got rid of private sales of fireworks years ago. I wish we did the same- I have some idiot neighbours who let fireworks off all year without warning. I 'm not sure Matariki is a good time for a fireworks display- isn't the focus supposed to be on the bright light of the stars .New Years Eve is always a good time for fireworks displays. Thank you for the reminder that November 5 commemorates the attack on Parihaka.

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I agree. Guy Fawkes night is dead in the water long ago. Ban fireworks.

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Def 'B'

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In my childhood I loved fireworks but they also terrified me.

In my teens my friends brother became blind in one eye from stupid drunk teenagers pointing them at each others faces.

In my 20s a friends 4 year old son found used fireworks and a lighter on the path by their house and tried to set it off inside. He literally burnt the house down (no lives lost but they were a very poor family and it financially devastated them).

In my 30s I welcomed the restrictions of sale and enjoyed the big beautiful council funded fireworks displays.

In my 40s I’m awake here at 3:30am on a Monday morning listening to a dickhead neighbour set off fireworks and hope it doesn’t wake my young children.

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Kia ora Nick - I agree & I'm currently pushing this petition - https://www.parliament.nz/mi/pb/petitions/document/PET_117783/petition-of-bevan-moore-ban-fireworks-sales-to-the-public/ - you might care to share and do the same?

But where do you find your images?!? That hang/draw & quarter one is mind blowing!

I've had the privilege of being at Parihaka remembering the pahua, back about 1990 ... a very moving occasion. P.

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Thanks for the information, that image is just from a google search, I think it was a museum collection?

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Nick, once again I admire your honesty and heart for yesterdays column and todays

Parihaka would be a great day to celebrate, rather than an event that has minimal to do with Aotearoa. But when I read articles like yours, I reflect in the gains we have made - people reading and talking about Parihaka is a gain and a joy to celebrate and acknowledge . Thank you 🙏🏿 As for Split Ends bliss

As for fireworks, displays and safety now dominate my view. Like many others I have tails of fun and reframed youthful joy without considering risk 😀

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I do like fireworks at New Year.

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I’m scared .. really scared!! I live in a complex where fireworks have been going off since last weekend!!🤬

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