With Guy Fawkes on Thursday (5 November), ACC is encouraging New Zealanders to take a moment to “Have a hmmm” before lighting fireworks, after more than 1,400 people were injured in fireworks-related incidents over the past five years.
For many families, fireworks are a long-standing part of celebrating Guy Fawkes. But while the displays may only last a few seconds, the injuries can have much longer-lasting consequences. Over the past five years, ACC has accepted 1,405 fireworks-related injury claims, costing more than $3.4 million to help New Zealanders recover.
ACC Injury Prevention Leader James Whitaker says the figures are a reminder that a few moments of fun can have lasting consequences.
“Guy Fawkes should be about creating great family memories, not spending the evening in an emergency department,” he says.
“Particularly concerning is that last year around one in four fireworks-related injuries involved children aged 10 and under. Children are naturally curious and excited by fireworks, which is why close adult supervision is so important.”
Whitaker says a few simple precautions can help prevent avoidable injuries. “We see a clear spike in injuries around Guy Fawkes. Nearly two-thirds of all fireworks-related injury claims in 2025 occurred in November, which shows how important it is to think about safety before lighting fireworks,” he says.
Burns were the most common injury type, accounting for more than half of all fireworks-related claims. Hands, wrists and fingers were the most commonly injured parts of the body, while eye injuries also featured prominently.
“Before you light the fuse, have a hmmm. Think about who is nearby, make sure children are supervised, follow the instructions on the packaging and keep a safe distance once fireworks are lit. A few simple precautions can go a long way towards ensuring everyone remembers the night for the right reasons,” Whitaker says.
ACC’s top fireworks safety tips
Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a safe distance from fireworks once lit.
Closely supervise children around fireworks.
Never relight fireworks that fail to go off properly.
Keep spectators well clear of firing areas.
Have water available in case of an emergency.
