Bucks for bangs as buyers stock up

The first day of firework sales went off with a bang in Dunedin as customers stocked up, fearing future bans.

Fireworks are not being sold at most major retail stores such as The Warehouse and Kmart, or at Foodstuffs and Woolworths supermarkets.

But the people of Otago will not go without their colourful explosions this year after a range of pop-up Bad Boy Fireworks shops opened yesterday.

A steady stream of customers could be seen going to and from the Dunedin store yesterday.

The selections ranged a small packet of sparklers to the $450 ""Explosive Pack".

Friends Sam Gordon and Isaac Ovens were some of the first through the door yesterday, taking home hundreds of dollars worth of goods.

Mr Gordon said he did not think he would be able to buy them in future as more restrictions came in and fewer retailers stocked them.

The large mixed boxes were great for using later and could be stored easily.

""We might not get another chance."

Mr Ovens said despite buying a range of extravagant explosives he still liked the small spinning cascades.

""They’re great value for your money."

Rosie Dwyer said she was buying fireworks to make sure they had some on hand for big events in the future.

She lived on a farm and could fire them off any time during the year without disturbing the neighbours, which made things easier.

Her grandchildren were big fans of the sky rockets and she would be storing some for their birthdays.

On the tamer side of the spectrum were Melissa and Suzie Hutchings, who were buying fireworks for the first time.

Ms Hutchings said Suzie (9) had only ever seen fireworks once before, so they had come in to buy some fountains and sparklers to celebrate on Guy Fawkes Night.

Suzie said she liked the big fireworks, but they were a bit scary and they frightened their cat Leo.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said people should be considerate when using fireworks.

Holding their fireworks haul at the Bad Boy Fireworks pop-up shop in Dunedin are Isaac Ovens (left) and Sam Gordon yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh

People should not use fireworks after 10.30pm and should let neighbours know in advance.

Pets should be kept indoors and farm animals kept away.

A ban on fireworks has been placed in some parts of Otago.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago district manager Phil Marsh said the ban began on Tuesday and would remain in force. The specified areas are part of the Otago prohibited fire zone, where fires are already prohibited all year round.