Consultation on this rule started in 2002 when a brochure covering the proposed ban was sent to every letterbox in Christchurch. At that time it was proposed that the use of open fires and old woodburners would be banned completely.
Over 2000 submissions were received and studied on their merits by a Hearing Panel. The Hearing Panel made a recommendation to continue with the ban which was accepted by the Environment Canterbury council in 2007.
The ban was appealed against at the Environment Court but was settled via a mediation process in December 2008 resulting in a winter ban only for open fires and woodburners older than 15 years.
This ban has been enforceable since 1 April 2010 in Christchurch Clean Air Zone 1. There are restrictions on the use of open fires and old woodburners in Kaiapoi and Ashburton that are being enforced May 2012. Rangiora home heating rules are enforceable May 2013.
For further assistance please contact Customer Services on 03 353 9007 or toll free on 0800 324 636.
You can also visit our website www.ecan.govt.nz
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