Resources

Learning to burn smarter and cleaner can make a big difference to the amount of smoke coming from your chimney. Simple steps can have a positive impact on air quality.

When using your burner, make sure you:

• Only burn dry wood with a moisture content of less than 25%.
• Burn your fire hot and bright.
• Allow your fire to burn out overnight rather than dampening it down. Smouldering fires create more smoke.
• Have your chimney cleaned regularly.

For more great tips on getting the best from your burner, download our Warm Up Wisely brochure.

Air Plan

The Regional Air Plan 2016 was adopted by Council on 5 October 2016. It introduces new rules in response to the Government’s health-inspired National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES) to address the region’s air quality issues.

The plan includes new rules for home heating, outdoor burning, the application of agrichemicals and fertilisers and fire training.

Download the Regional Air Plan 2016.

Websites

MfE list of approved burners - Thinking about installing a new wood burner or replacing an existing burner? Check out the list of Ministry for the Environment (MfE) approved wood burners.

GEN LESS - Find out how warm, healthy and cost effective your home is.

Southland Warm Homes Trust - Find out how you can create a warmer, healthier home. Get advice about insulation and heating options for your home.

Warmer Cheaper - Check out the great demonstration videos on lighting your fire.

Videos

NZ Home Heating Association- Some great videos here on getting the best out of your wood burner.

Downloadable resources

Outdoor burning - This handy factsheet give a quick overview of what you can and can't burn on rural properties in Southland. It also includes tips on how to minimise smoke nuisance for your neighbours.

Warm Up Wisely - This guide offers key information on how to enjoy your wood burner safely, get the best heat out of your firewood and decrease the amount of smoke being released into the air.

Prohibited Fuels List - Download a list of fuels and materials that you are no longer allowed to use for home heating and outdoor burning.

Southland's Air - State of the Environment Report - Southland’s first State of the Environment Report on air was written in partnership with Te Ao Mārama Incorporated and draws together what we know about our region’s air.

On the farm – recycling options

AgRecovery - Not sure what to do with unwanted plastics on the farm? AgRecovery can help you recycle chemicals and plastics such as containers, silage wrap and crop protection netting.

Plasback NZ - Plasback NZ can help you with recycling many plastics from the farm, including silage wrap, silage covers, grain bags, polypropylene bags, twines, large drums, vine nets and irrigation piping.

Recycle South - Recycle your bale wrap, cut-to-size silage covers, plastic drums, and LDPE and HDPE farm plastics.