Letting off fireworks on Auckland's parks, beaches or public places could cost you $20,000.

The new bylaw banning fireworks in public areas was introduced this year and applies to anyone setting off crackers, flares or other explosive material without written council approval.

It was designed to protect people, animals and property from the "nuisance" of fireworks, Councillor Cathy Casey said.She said it would curb the amount of litter at beaches and parks and reduce the amount of grief caused for people's pets.

"Fireworks amount to three weeks of hell for some people.

"Their dog has to be kept in at night because of the noise, the commotion."

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Casey urged people to contact council or police to report rule-breakers. She said council officers and police had the power to confiscate fireworks, and if it was serious enough, they could pursue prosecutionsunder the local government act, to lead to a maximum $20,000 fine.

Senior Fire Risk Management Officer Mike McEnaney said he welcomed the move.

He said there were instances each year of fires starting in public places.

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New Auckland bylaw bans public fireworks