Countdown won't sell fireworks this Guy Fawkes
A customer survey by the supermarket chain resulted in two in three respondents say they "rarely or never" bought fireworks for private use.
More than seven in 10 said the biggest reason they didn't do so was because of animal welfare, and about half cited fire safety. Environmental reasons were cited by 39 per cent, disturbing neighbours 34 per cent and personal safety 30 per cent. Countdown general manager merchandise, Scott Davidson, said declining interest and conversations with store teams led to the decision. "Our customers have told us that while they still love to celebrate special occasions such as Matariki, Diwali, Chinese New Year and Guy Fawkes, backyard fireworks at home are becoming less of an occasion than they used to be. "We've decided to leave it to the professionals and we think the vast majority of our customers and our team will agree with this." The move is supported by the SPCA, which earlier this year led a multi-agency study that found a majority of New Zealanders supported a ban on the public sale of fireworks. SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen said fireworks can be terrifying to animals. "Whether that's on Guy Fawkes night or at any other time of the year," she said. "Every year animals are injured, frightened, go missing or occasionally suffer abuse related to fireworks."
==========================================================
Poll: Is Auckland’s economy improving?
The latest reporting from The Post suggests a wave of optimism for 2026. With interest rates finally heading south, businesses are feeling more positive. But for many on the ground, the real-world recovery feels a bit like a slow-moving commute on Auckland's motorways.
We want to know: Are you seeing signs of Auckland's economy improving in your industry or neighbourhood? Whether it's busier shops, new projects kicking off, or just a shift in the mood ...
-
16.4% Yes
-
66.1% No
-
17.5% A little
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
-
30.8% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
-
69.2% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Denim, but make it one-of-a-kind 💙
Not every pair of jeans makes it to the rack... but that doesn’t mean their story ends there. Our talented volunteer Annie has been transforming damaged denim into handcrafted bags, hats and aprons in our Onehunga SPCA Op Shop ✂️🧵
This latest batch even features her own hand-sewn designs, and customers have been loving them, they sell almost as soon as they hit the shelf!
It’s creativity, sustainability and community all stitched together, helping animals in need 🐾
📍 217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
🕘 9am–5pm, 7 days
Loading…
