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Hauraki District Council responds to complaints about smoke nuisance ie smoke getting into a house or over washing, but not complaints about air pollution – such as burning tyres or plastic, giving off toxic fumes – For these issues please contact Waikato Regional Council (24-7 Freephone 0800 800 401) |
Wanting a fire permit?The Council no longer issues fire permits. Visit the Fire Emergency NZ website checkitsalright.nz Fire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) now set fire seasons, issue fire permits and deal with the removal of fire hazards, including vegetation. |
Current fire status
Open Fire Season
Principal Rural Fire Officer Matt Cook says while a permit is no longer required, it is important anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire thinks carefully about the conditions.
Find your urban or rural fire status and Check It’s Alright Before You Light
Status definitions
What the signs mean...
Open - No fire permit is needed to light a fire in open air
Restricted - A permit is needed to light a fire in open air in this area
Prohibited - There is a total ban on the lighting of any fires in open air in this area
Open fires in public places
No fires are allowed in any public places except at fireplaces specially provided or in an outdoor cooking appliance*.
Fires on private land
Permits
Hauraki District Council does not issue fire permits. Before you light any fires out in the open on your property, you’ll need to find out about the current fire season and what the requirements are.
Check it’s alright before you light with the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) tool at checkitsalright.nz -
- map - locate Hauraki District on the map,
- fire season - check the season status and
- permit - apply for a fire permit if required.
Lighting fires
Even if you have a permit (or if it’s open fire season) you still need to comply with Hauraki District Council burning restriction which state you cannot burn any matter or thing in such a manner as to create a nuisance*, as well as Waikato Regional Council burning restrictions.
Fireworks
Setting off fireworks or any explosive material in a public place, or close to a public place, is not allowed*. On your private property, please use fireworks with care, and be considerate to your neighbours and pets. FENZ has some safety information regarding fireworks on their website.
* See our Nuisance Bylaw
Reporting issues
If there is a threat to life or property CALL 111
Smoke nuisance
If you have a complaint about a smoke nuisance from a neighbouring property, please call our customer services team on 0800 734 834.
Fire hazards
If there's a property in your neighbourhood that you believe is a fire risk due to an unkempt section, you might first try talking to the property owner. If the issue is not resolved, you can let Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) know about your concern by completing the online form available on the FENZ website or calling 0800 336 942.
Please note that Fire and Emergency is only able to take action to deal with genuine fire hazards, and not where the property is just unsightly or presents a health hazard.
If it is a problem such as hoarding and other nuisance issues including vermin, please contact the Council.