Resources

Air Plan Review

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.

Printed 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.

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.

Consumer guide to wood burners - This Consumer guide provides a range of great advice on purchasing a wood burner, comparing burners and purchasing firewood.

ECCA Energywise - Find out how warm, healthy and cost effective your home is. Warmer Kiwi Home funding from EECA can cover at least two-thirds of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, plus there is now some funding available to help with clean heating options. If you're a homeowner, head to www.energywise.govt.nz/tools/warmer-kiwi-homes-too... to find out if you're eligible for a grant.

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.

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.

Southland DisAbility Enterprises - They take a variety of items for recycling, including agrichemical containers. Containers should be triple rinsed and dropped off to the centre.

Videos

Burn Smokefree - A short video showing the correct usage of a wood burner to maximise heating efficiency and minimise smoke.

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