Francesca Rudkin: The destruction, cruelty and hassle of fireworks isn't worth it anymore

When we heard about the fire at Pegasus Beach north of Christchurch on Thursday morning or read the news about a fire on Te Mata Peak in Hawkes Bay on Saturday morning, how many of us immediately presumed fireworks were the cause? I did. It always happens this time of year. And I’m going to be honest with you, I think I’ve almost had enough. You see, just quietly between you and I, I’m a lover of backyard fireworks displays. I understand all the rational and reasonable arguments why we should ban the sale of fireworks to individuals and leave it up to the big professional displays to entertain us. But until now I’ve struggled with the idea of banning fireworks; maybe because I’m a relatively sensible person and have never set anything or anyone alight. For decades I’ve loved putting together displays for my family, friends, neighbours and, more recently, my children. These displays would always have two lighters, at least, working in unison, for the best effect. My memories of fireworks are wonderful – I can still remember my father letting off fireworks at dusk when we were little – no late bedtimes for us - and the Catherine Wheels which would always be nailed just a little too firmly to the tree. Some of my fondest memories are of Guy Fawkes with my two grandmothers, now deceased, who would sit outside with rugs over their knees, oohing and aahing like impressed children at my displays. Bless them, they were probably just being nice! But it’s getting harder to love fireworks. What a terrifying night for those people evacuated north of Christchurch on Wednesday night. 200ha of coastland destroyed unnecessarily before it was brought under control by firefighters on the ground, helicopter crews with monsoon buckets, and two water bombing planes. Firefighters are keeping an eye on hot spots over the weekend. Ten fire trucks were called to the scrub fire on Te Mata Peak, which remains shut today. These aren’t minor consequences. And last night I was reminded just how crappy Guy Fawkes is for animals by two terrified cats under my bed. It’s just one night some people say, but gee, it’s a heck of night! Fireworks have been getting the squeeze forever. You can only buy them from 2nd November to the 5th, and you can only light them in certain places. They’re hard to find, with many big retailers deciding not to stock them anymore, and they’re expensive. It’s easier and cheaper to just open the curtains and enjoy the lit up borrowed view. So it’s taken me a while, but I think it’s time to call it. The destruction, cruelty and hassle just doesn’t seem worth it anymore. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.