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• Fire and Emergency has urged against using sky lanterns during Lunar New Year celebrations due to fire risks.
• Bans on fireworks are in place for parts of Mid-South Canterbury and Otago.
• Hot, dry, and windy conditions have made vegetation highly flammable, increasing wildfire risks.

Fire and Emergency has urged people celebrating the Lunar New Year not to light sky lanterns over fears they could quickly cause wildfires.

It comes as festivities for the Chinese New Year kicked off today and last 19 days until February 16. It is set to be marked by celebrations across the country.

“Some parts of the country are forecast to be hot, dry and windy tonight, so you need to be extra careful celebrating with family and friends,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand warned this morning.

Fire and Emergency’s community education manager Tom Ronaldson said it wants everyone to have a wonderful time celebrating the holiday, but asks people to avoid using fireworks or sky lanterns.

“We strongly recommend you do not light lanterns, as you have no control over where they travel. If they land in dry vegetation, they can quickly cause a fire,” Ronaldson said.

Fire and Emergency have urged people celebrating the Lunar New Year not to light lanterns over fears they could start wildfires. Photo / New Zealand Herald

“This includes tethered lanterns, as there is a risk of them becoming untethered and causing a fire.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldson said some parts of the country are in prohibited and restricted fire seasons, and a ban on fireworks has been imposed for parts of Mid-South Canterbury and Otago.

“These areas are Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp in the Ashburton Lakes area, the Mackenzie Basin, Naseby, Upper Waitaki zones, Central Otago and Central Lakes zones which include Wakatipu Basin, Wānaka and Hāwea areas.”

Firework bans mean you can’t light and set off any fireworks, including sparklers.

Ronaldson said hot, dry and windy conditions in many parts of New Zealand this summer means “much of our vegetation is dry and ready to ignite”.

“Again, we strongly encourage you to celebrate without fireworks or sky lanterns. But if you do decide to use them, please go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out if it’s safe to do so.

“The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity, provides fire safety advice, and tells you what fire restrictions your location is under if you aren’t sure.”

According to the Chinese zodiac signs, each year in the lunar cycle is associated with a particular animal. This 12-year cycle repeats itself.

There are 12 animals associated with a year in the cycle: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The snake is a symbol of good luck and happiness and ranks sixth among the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

The snake is a symbol of good luck and happiness and ranks sixth among the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

People born in 1929, 1941, 1952, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013 are considered born under the sign.

Astrologer and feng shui expert Jojo Zhou said the heaven stem Yi and earthly branch Si, characterised by the element of wood (Yi) generating fire (Si), symbolised the emergence of favourable information in the market and the gradual fading of challenging times.

“For the real estate sector, the flourishing fire driven by wood may fuel a surge in buying and selling properties,” she said.

“Although it is far from the past peak periods, the continuous decline in interest rates still positively impacts the real estate market to some degree.”

Zhou also said new concepts and thoughts would enter the market in 2025, bringing a surging wave of ideas.

“Both businesses and governments will explore various possibilities,” she said.

“This is especially important on a personal level. Whether we are willing to embrace new ideas and make changes will determine whether we can achieve financial success in the new year.”

Chinese New Year celebrations in New Zealand

• Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, Saturday, January 25, 9.30am-4pm.
• Auckland Lantern Festival, Manukau Sports Bowl, Thursday, February 13, Friday, February 14, 3pm-10pm, Saturday, February 15, Sunday, February 16, 1pm-10pm
• Wellington’s Lunar New Year Festival, Wellington waterfront, January 29 and February 16.
• Christchurch’s Chinese New Year festival, Victoria Square Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8.