A sensible compromise

The decision by David Benson-Pope to not ban fireworks, but reduce the number of days they are available, and also increase the age of purchase to 18 is sensible and definitely preferable over a total ban. The NZ Herald editorial concurs.

In fact hopefully this might be the start of Government and Parliament backing away from bans as a solution for everything, and a more balanced approach.

Almost every activity in society can be found to have some negative elements to it. Cellphone use in cars, party pills, fizzy drinks, fireworks etc. But so often lawmakers do not look at the other side of the equation. That hundreds of thosuands of NZers gain considerable benefit and enjoyment from all the above activities. And enjoyment may be hard to measure, but it’s pretty damn important in life.