Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

This week at council we balanced the views of fire authorities, pro- and anti-fireworks campaigners, event organisers, and other residents to re-confirm the rules for lighting fires throughout the city.

We have preserved the right to light fires on beaches, let off fireworks on beaches, and use barbeques throughout the year. But you will need to take steps to avoid being a nuisance to people or harming the environment.

Tauranga is likely to experience a very dry summer, which means a fire ban is almost certain. There are very few types of fires that are allowed to be lit during a fire ban for obvious reasons. Please contact council if you're unsure.

If you want to light fires (excluding barbecues), set off fireworks, or let off flying lanterns on public land (excluding beaches) you will need to contact council for approval. You will also need to contact Council if you want to light a fire between sunset and sunrise. This will ensure emergency services know what they're dealing with as most public complaints about fires occur at night.

There is little point in council banning the use of fireworks if central government still allows retailers to sell them. People will be able to buy fireworks but will not be able to light them. This would create confusion and it would be difficult for us to enforce. Central government would need to change legislation before I would consider banning fireworks outright.

Please have fun this summer, but be fire wise. It's predicted to be a long, hot, and dry summer, which means we will all need to be extra vigilant.

Feel free to email me your thoughts (matt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz), call/text me on 0276989548, and follow me at www.facebook.com/a.younger.voice.

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