Fireworks imports fizzle out ahead of Guy Fawkes
New Zealand's fireworks imports have fizzled to one of their lowest levels in decades, suggesting this year's Guy Fawkes celebrations could be considerably quieter than usual. In our October Chart of the Month, we look at fireworks imports over time, and what it might tell us about changing public interest in blowing stuff up.
Third lowest firework imports in nearly 40 years
Infometrics analysis of Stats NZ and Customs import trade data shows that fireworks imports totalled just $1.16m in the year to September 2026, down a staggering 57% from $2.70m a year earlier. Import values have now fallen for two consecutive years, and in 2026 were sitting 77% lower than the recent high of nearly $5.0m in 2024.
With the vast majority of fireworks imported between July and September, the latest figures provide a useful indication of how much fireworks activity New Zealanders might expect this November. And if import trends are anything to go by, this year's celebrations could be more of a sparkler than a spectacular. October imports would need to be the highest in over a decade to even come close to reaching last year’s import levels.
The latest annual import value is the third-lowest since records began in 1990, behind only 1997 and 1991. Import values are even lower than during the COVID-19 disruptions, when imports fell to $1.27m in 2021.
Taking a longer-term view, fireworks imports peaked at $6.45m in 2016, more than five times their current level. During the 2010s, annual fireworks imports averaged $4.43m, compared with just $2.72m so far this decade.
Are we over our fascination with explosions?
The sharp decline likely reflects several factors. With household budgets under pressure, fireworks are an obvious discretionary expense to cut back on. Changing social attitudes towards noise, animal welfare, fire risks, and environmental impacts are likely also reducing enthusiasm for private fireworks displays.
A 1News Verian poll in October 2026 showed support for a ban on public sale of fireworks. In the poll, 58% of voters supported a ban, and 31% opposed, with 11% were unsure or preferred not to say.
Just because import values have declined doesn't necessarily reflect the number of fireworks that will be let off. Changes in prices, exchange rates, product types, and existing inventories can all influence the figures – anyone that has a stockpile of Shot or Air Raid fireworks might still let their pyromaniac tendencies flourish this year.
Nevertheless, the magnitude of the decline suggests that fireworks activity could be considerably more subdued this November. For an industry built around making a bang, the latest figures suggest New Zealand's enthusiasm for fireworks is increasingly going up in smoke.
