A Minute with Marco - March

Date: 07 Mar 2023 | Author: Kaikōura and Hurunui Waiau Uwha zone delivery lead Marco Cataloni

Category: News | Environment | Compliance | Zones | Air Quality

Zone(s): Hurunui Waiau Uwha Kaikōura

Welcome to Kaikōura and Hurunui Waiau Uwha zone delivery lead Marco Cataloni's monthly column.

Kaikōura and Hurunui Waiau Uwha zone delivery lead Marco Cataloni

Kia ora everyone,

Hope you are all keeping well. I know there's a bit of illness around with many getting their second round of COVID-19 - so please take care and take it easy where you can.

I don't know about you, but I've definitely noticed a drop in the temperature as of late. Autumn has come around quickly, and I'm sure winter will too.

So I thought it was best I pass on some advice for the cooler months now, while we get prepared.

Outdoor burning

Outdoor burning can be a real nuisance for neighbours and adds to air pollution. The Canterbury Air Regional Plan allows some outdoor burning, but we do encourage alternatives such as composting, mulching, using kerb-side collective services or visiting a transfer station.

The air plan's burning measures are based on property size and whether you're in a rural or urban area. Even if burning is allowed under our rules, you need to be aware that Fire and Emergency New Zealand has its own restrictions and permitting requirements, which can be found at checkitsalright.nz.

If you live on a property less than two hectares in size, you cannot burn outdoors, even if you are in a rural area. The only exception is outdoor cooking - including BBQs, pizza ovens, hāngī or umu - if the smoke is not offensive or objectionable beyond your property boundary. You will need resource consent for burning green waste.

If you live on a property over two hectares, you can burn vegetation (excluding standing crop residue - this type of burning has its own set of regulations), paper, cardboard or untreated wood, but you must meet a number of conditions - these can be found at ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning.

Warmer, Cheaper

Another thing to consider as we approach winter, is how we warm our homes. Environment Canterbury has an annual campaign all about this - called Warmer, Cheaper.

It gives you a bunch of tips about how to minimise pollution, heat your house more efficiently and save you money. Sounds pretty good right?

You can find it all at warmercheaper.co.nz. Tips include improving your smoke-free burning technique with our simple guide and you'll also find video demonstrations and helpful links. Definitely worth checking out.