Summary Offences Act 1981

Offences resembling nuisance

35: Setting off or throwing fireworks

You could also call this:

"Setting off fireworks in public can be dangerous and costly"

Illustration for Summary Offences Act 1981

You can get a fine of up to $200 if you set off or throw fireworks in a public place and might hurt or scare someone. You can also get a fine if you set off or throw fireworks in a private place and might hurt or scare someone in a public place. If you want to learn more about the law, you can check the Summary Offences Amendment Act 1997.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM53704.

This page was last updated on 11 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safetyEnvironment and resources > Public health

34: Throwing stones, or

"Throwing stones that could hurt people or damage things is against the law"

36: Lighting fires, or

"Don't set fires near buildings or plants without a good reason"

35Setting off or throwing fireworks

Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $200 who,—
in any public place, sets off or throws any firework or explosive material in such a manner as to be likely to cause injury to, or to alarm, any person; or
in any place other than a public place, sets off or throws any firework or explosive material in such a manner as to be likely to cause injury to, or to alarm, any person in a public place.

Compare

1927 No 35 s 3(cc)
1967 No 154 s 2(1)

Notes

Section 35: amended, on 1 January 1998, by section 7 of the Summary Offences Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 97).