Reddit Post On Diwali In Auckland Sparks Debate

A Reddit comment about fireworks during Diwali celebrations in Auckland has lit up a heated discussion online over their use.

One user, a parent of a toddler, shared their frustration about the “celebratory explosions” in West Auckland in a post titled " Diwali - Fireworks. Festival of anxiety."

“It’s the second night in a row of celebratory explosions out here in West Auckland, and as I wait for my toddler to fall asleep again while my partner soothes our newborn and our shaking Labrador outside the bedroom, I can’t help but wonder how the f$&@ are fireworks still legal?” the post began.

“I know Diwali is the Festival of Lights, but it’s become more like the Festival of Anxiety, peaking with Guy Fawkes in a couple of weeks,” they added.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across the world, particularly among Indian communities. The celebrations bring sweets, diyas, rangoli, and fireworks - the last often sparking debate for the noise and pollution they cause.

For many, however, fireworks remain a cherished part of Diwali, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and the spirit of joy and togetherness.

In India, the festival has long been linked to worsening air quality and noise pollution. Delhi woke up to a thick haze on Tuesday, a day after millions celebrated Diwali with fireworks, with air quality plunging into the “severe” category.

The debate around fireworks isn’t new. Last week, India’s Supreme Court relaxed a blanket ban, allowing people to use “green crackers”, which manufacturers claim emit 20–30% less pollution than traditional fireworks. Critics, however, say they still release toxic substances into the air.

In New Zealand, the discussion is more about noise than air pollution. The Auckland Reddit post, made on Tuesday night, has since gained traction, with users sharing similar experiences.

“Last night for us it lasted until 2am! Called noise control and they sorted it, some people can be so inconsiderate. We even went up politely to ask them to quiet it down after midnight as it was a Monday, but after a couple of minutes they continued again,” one user commented.

Another added, “Papatoetoe is like a f#&* war zone. I’m happy for people to use them but it was 2.30am and still going off the last two nights. Please consider the people living around you!”

Auckland Council outlines strict rules for sales and use. Fireworks can only be sold between 2 and 5 November each year. According to Auckland Council rules, fireworks can only be lit on private property from 5pm to 10.30pm daily, and up to 1am on 1 January for New Year’s celebrations.

It’s worth noting that fireworks use isn’t limited to Diwali, they are also common at other festivals in New Zealand, as well as during Guy Fawkes Night, Christmas (though less widespread), and New Year’s Eve, making for a noisy end to the year.  

“Three more to go, then Guy Fawkes, then Christmas, then New Year’s. It’s ridiculous,” another Reddit user pointed out.

Some commenters also defended the celebrations.

While the legality of fireworks sales remains contentious, some users alleged that fireworks are still being stored and traded illicitly.

“Diwali might not be the issue — it might be the issue of sale of the fireworks,” one user wrote.

Auckland Council outlines strict rules for sales and use. Fireworks can only be sold between 2 and 5 November each year. However, this restriction doesn’t stop the public from using fireworks at other times. Only Parliament has the authority to introduce new regulations on their sale and control.

Council rules also specify where fireworks cannot be lit, including:

• Beaches

• Parks and reserves

• Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains)

• Forests

• Conservation areas

• Road surfaces, berms, or footpaths

Under the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013, it is illegal to light bonfires in any public place within Auckland without prior approval.

On private property, bonfires are not permitted in residential areas at any time. During Guy Fawkes (2–5 November), bonfires are allowed on rural private land but must be lit during daylight hours and extinguished before nightfall. A fire permit may also be required during restricted fire seasons.

As for sky lanterns — also known as Chinese lanterns — they are considered a fire risk and may only be used if secured so they cannot drift away.

As the online debate continues, many have called for a more nuanced conversation, one that respects cultural traditions while also addressing safety and environmental concerns.