Matariki, Guy Fawkes and Pets NZ: Noise Planning for Kiwi Celebrations

The quick answer: Matariki, Guy Fawkes and pets NZ planning is about noise predictability. Guy Fawkes falls on 5 November, while the Matariki public holiday changes each year. In 2026, govt.nz lists Matariki as Friday 10 July. Public fireworks, private fireworks, parties, drums, traffic and crowds can all unsettle pets, so plan the quiet space before the event starts.

Why these events are different in NZ

Matariki is a uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand public holiday and is often marked by community events. Many are quiet whanau gatherings, but some towns use fireworks, music, crowds or late-night traffic.

Guy Fawkes is more predictable on the calendar but less predictable in the neighbourhood. EPA says retail fireworks can only be bought from 2 to 5 November by people aged 18 or over, but SPCA notes fireworks may still be set off outside one exact night because people stockpile them.

A simple pet-noise plan

For dogs and cats:

• bring them inside before dusk;
• close curtains and windows;
• set up a safe hiding place;
• add familiar TV, radio or music;
• keep food, water and litter/toilet access close;
• check collars, tags and microchip details;
• avoid evening walks near displays.

For dogs, Pets Fireworks Anxiety NZ and Stop Dog Barking NZ cover the behaviour side. For cats, Cat Bed Types NZ and Cat Litter Guide NZ help with a proper indoor retreat.

Small pets and birds

Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other small pets can also panic. Move hutches and cages away from windows where possible, cover part of the enclosure for darkness while keeping airflow, and keep bonded animals with familiar companions. Do not move them to a totally new space at the last minute unless the normal space is unsafe.

For housing basics, see Small Pet Hutch and Cage Guide NZ.

If you are hosting or organising

SPCA encourages controlled, notified public displays rather than private fireworks. If you are hosting a Matariki, Diwali, New Year or Guy Fawkes gathering:

• tell neighbours in advance;
• put event timing on local pages where practical;
• avoid fireworks near animals, paddocks or nesting wildlife;
• keep pets away from food scraps, doors and visiting children;
• assign one person to check gates and exits.

This is especially useful in rural and lifestyle-block areas where horses, sheep, working dogs and backyard hens may be nearby.

When fear needs more than a safe room

Some pets need professional help. If your pet injures themselves, bolts, cannot recover after noise, refuses food for a long time, or has a known phobia, talk to your vet well before the next event. Do not use sedatives, supplements or leftover medication without veterinary advice.

Quick takeaways

• Matariki dates change; in 2026 the public holiday is Friday 10 July.
• Guy Fawkes is 5 November, but fireworks can be unpredictable.
• Bring pets inside before dusk and create a quiet hiding space.
• Update ID and microchip details before noise season.
• Small pets and birds need dark, ventilated, familiar shelter too.
• Severe fear needs a vet or qualified behaviour professional.

Related reading

• Pets Fireworks Anxiety NZ
• Stop Dog Barking NZ
• Cat Bed Types NZ
• Small Pet Hutch and Cage Guide NZ

References

• Govt.nz, Dates for public holidays and anniversary days, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.govt.nz/browse/work/public-holidays-and-work/public-holidays-and-anniversary-dates/
• Te Papa, Dates for the Matariki public holiday, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/matariki-maori-new-year/dates-for-matariki-public-holiday
• SPCA New Zealand, Keep animals safe around fireworks, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/keep-animals-safe-around-fireworks
• Environmental Protection Authority, Fireworks, crackers and party poppers, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.epa.govt.nz/everyday-environment/fireworks-crackers-and-poppers/

Important notice

*General event-noise planning information for NZ pet owners. Severe fear, injury, escape attempts or prolonged distress should be discussed with a NZ vet or qualified force-free behaviour professional.*