NZ First fireworks and gender definition bills

The story so far

New Zealand First, led by Winston Peters, introduced a member's bill on 4 November 2025 to prohibit fireworks sales and use, though council-approved public displays would continue.^{4 Nov 2025} Reports differ on the scope: one describes a ban on public sales and use, while another describes a ban on private sales and use.^{4, 5 Nov 2025} The party said the bill addresses the impact of fireworks on pets, taxpayers, animal distress, fire risks and emergency services.^{4, 5 Nov 2025} A select committee will also consider three petitions calling for a ban on public fireworks sales.^{5 Nov 2025} To make room for the fireworks bill, the party briefly removed its gender definition bill from the members' ballot.^{6 Nov 2025}

Latest

On 5 November, New Zealand First re-inserted the gender definition bill into the ballot, replacing a prostate cancer bill.^{6 Nov 2025}

What's next

A select committee will consider three petitions calling for a ban on public fireworks sales.^{5 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 4 Nov 2025NZ First introduces member's bill to ban public fireworks sale and use
2. 5 Nov 2025Bill described as banning private sales; petitions calling for public ban referred
3. 6 Nov 2025Gender definition bill removed from ballot, then re-inserted within 24 hours

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.