In Otago and Southland, 52 people made ACC claims for fireworks-related injuries between 2020 and 2024, costing $72,620 to help them recover.
In 2024 alone, 286 claims were made nationwide, costing almost $880,000.
Of those injured last year, 46 were children under the age of 10.
ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said those numbers jumped every November, when more than half of all fireworks injuries happen.
Too often, it was curious little hands that ended up getting burned.
“No-one wants their kids to get hurt, so think about how your actions might harm others.
“Make sure children can’t touch sparklers or fireworks while they’re still burning hot, and keep them supervised at all times.
“And if you’re planning to have a few drinks, light the fireworks first.
“It’s meant to be a fun night — you don’t want to end up in A&E with a burn injury you could have prevented.”
Mr Whitaker said burns were by far the most common injuries in 2024, particularly to the hands and wrists (90) and fingers and thumbs (32), followed by eye injuries (26).
He said it was a good idea to have a bucket of water nearby to drop used sparklers and fireworks into, and he urged parents not to let children hold anything that was still smoking or glowing.
Young men and teenagers featured heavily in the numbers.
Data showed 15 to 19-year-olds were the group most likely to get injured, and men were almost twice as likely to get hurt than women.
He said many injuries from fireworks were predictable and preventable, so it was worth taking a moment to think before lighting the fuse.
“Some can be life-changing.
“If you’re planning to light fireworks this Guy Fawkes, think about the risks first and check Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s advice for how to do it safely.”
— Guidance on firework safety: checkitsalright.nz
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