7. Question No. 7—EnvironmentGARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Minister for the EnvironmentQuestion No. 7—Environment7. GARETH HUGHES (Green) to the Minister for the Environment: What action if any has he taken following Local Government New Zealand's call for legislative change to ban retail sales of fireworks? Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment): In 2007 the firework regulations were tightened. The evidence shows that this was successful in sharply reducing the number of fireworks-related injuries. Fire-related incidents vary from year to year but the overall trend is also down even more so on a population basis. I have not seen evidence warranting further regulation at this stage. However we are as always open to listening to the evidence. Gareth Hughes: Doesn't the fact that since the Government last looked at this 12 years ago and we've seen 4000 injuries and $3.8 million of ACC claims since then demonstrate that another look is needed? Hon DAVID PARKER: No. Ten years ago the average number of ACC claims was around 400 a year. In 2018 it was down to 272. Gareth Hughes: Does the Minister agree with the New Zealand fire service that the number of fireworks-related incidents are up in recent years and isn't it the fact that we are still seeing our maungas burnt our animals are being injured—SPEAKER: Order! Order! The member has now had three legs. The Minister may address any two if he wants and only has to address one. Hon DAVID PARKER: I don't agree that there is a trend of increasing serious incidents resulting from fireworks. I further note that there are divided views around this issue around New Zealand. I know that the Auckland Council favours more restrictions but I would note that they and other larger cities can have public firework displays that are not available in rural areas and we've got to govern for all of the country. Gareth Hughes: Is the Minister aware that Auckland Council banned the use of fireworks in public spaces including their maunga but this year their precious maunga still burnt and the council says the only way to stop it is for central government to act? SPEAKER: Order! I'm going to remind that member that he needs to take more care in drafting his supplementaries. Hon DAVID PARKER: Those issues do point to the need perhaps for more enforcement of the existing law but as the member points out in his question the behaviour that is being complained of is already illegal. Gareth Hughes: What is his response to the New Zealand Police who in a submission released today said The retail sale of fireworks to the general public represents a risk to the wellbeing of New Zealanders. Banning the retail sale of fireworks would likely reduce harm to the community."? Hon DAVID PARKER: I'd say two things in response. Of course no one wants to see anyone injured but we do need to keep this in perspective. I would note that ACC claims for this are substantially down whereas in some other areas of endeavour which we allow—and I'm not suggesting they should be banned—like scooters we've got rising ACC things. We just can't protect everyone from every harm. I would say as a personal statement which is not the Government's position I personally would be willing to consider moving fireworks sales—Hon Gerry Brownlee: You're a Minister. Hon DAVID PARKER: Well I'm—Hon Gerry Brownlee: You don't make personal statements when you're answering questions. SPEAKER: I'm not a Minister. Stop interjecting in the second person. Hon DAVID PARKER: Speaking as a Minister although the Government has not got a position on this I would be willing to consider whether we should move private fireworks sales to Matariki in June which would be better for families. It would address many of the issues that members of the public raise. But the Government's got no position on that. Hon Shane Jones: Māori-works—Māori-works. SPEAKER: Has "Vesuvius" stopped?"