It's not all right to light
We're clamping down on those who burn rubbish in their backyards, with little regard for their neighbours.
This type of burning is a problem throughout urban Christchurch. Since January, our incident response team has been called to 173 complaints across the central suburbs. In 2023 we responded to 445 complaints, compared to 343 the previous year.
To see all the suburbs in the sample, please view the graph in full-screen mode.
Cooking is the only exception
For properties smaller than two hectares, any type of outdoor burning is banned - except for cooking. BBQs, pizza ovens and hāngī or umu are allowed, but only if the smoke is not offensive or objectionable beyond the property boundary.
Urban compliance team lead Sophie Harland said it’s disappointing to see people blatantly breaking the rules.
“In some cases, they’re doing it deliberately to annoy their neighbours.
“The smoke also adds to air pollution and is an all-round nuisance.”
Health hazard
Smoke from rubbish fires can harm neighbours who are sensitive to smoke – such as those with heart or lung conditions, people who are pregnant, young children and the elderly.
Dr Cheryl Brunton, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says those who are vulnerable may experience symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or eye, nose and throat irritation.
“Exposure to smoke can also worsen pre-existing health conditions such as heart and lung disease.”
Alongside general rubbish, items being burnt include treated timber and laminated materials from demolition or renovation. Some of this material produces toxic smoke which is an added health hazard for neighbours and the people burning their rubbish.
Costly consequences
Sophie warns that offenders could face enforcement action including a $300 fine and/or a cost-recovery invoice for substantiated breaches of the Canterbury Air Regional Plan.
“We’ve spent a lot of time trying to educate people about the issue – but for some, the message is still getting lost, so we may need to take firmer measures.”
To report an outdoor burning-related incident, call us on 0800 765 588 (24 hours) or use the Snap Send Solve app – or visit reports.snapsendsolve.com.
For more information on general burning rules, visit our outdoor burning page.