Hawke's Bay Wood Burner Rules
Quick Answer
Hawke's Bay follows the 1.5 g/kg national standard. Open fires are banned on properties under 2 hectares in Airshed 1 (Napier and Hastings urban areas).
Council
Hawke's Bay Regional Council
Emission Limit
1.5 g/kg
Subsidy Amount
Not available
Contact HBRC for current clean heat assistance programmes.
Clean Air Zones
| Zone Name | Rules | Burner Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Napier (Airshed 1) | 1.5 g/kg emission limit. Open fires banned on properties under 2 hectares. Enclosed burners only. | Enclosed wood burners meeting 1.5 g/kg standard. New open fires prohibited. |
| Hastings (Airshed 1) | 1.5 g/kg emission limit. Open fires banned on properties under 2 hectares. | Enclosed wood burners meeting 1.5 g/kg standard. New open fires prohibited. |
| Havelock North | 1.5 g/kg emission limit. May fall within Airshed 1 restrictions depending on location. | Enclosed wood burners meeting 1.5 g/kg standard. Check Airshed 1 boundary with HBRC. |
Clean air zone data for Hawke's Bay
Phase-Out Timeline
| Burner Type | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Open fires (Napier Airshed 1) | Already in effect | No new open fires can be installed on properties under 2 hectares. Existing fires may remain but cannot be reinstated if removed. |
| Open fires (Hastings Airshed 1) | Already in effect | No new open fires can be installed on properties under 2 hectares. Existing fires may remain but cannot be reinstated if removed. |
Phase-out schedule for Hawke's Bay
Key Rules
- 1.5 g/kg emission limit for new burners
- Open fires banned on properties under 2 hectares in Airshed 1 (Napier, Hastings)
- Must use dry firewood
- Building consent required for new installations
- Airshed 1 has the strictest restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wood burner rules in Hawke's Bay?
Hawke's Bay Regional Council applies the 1.5 g/kg emission standard. Open fires are banned on properties under 2 hectares in Airshed 1 (Napier and Hastings urban areas). Enclosed wood burners meeting the emission standard are permitted.
What is Airshed 1 in Hawke's Bay?
Airshed 1 covers the urban areas of Napier and Hastings where the strictest air quality rules apply. Open fires are banned on properties under 2 hectares, and only enclosed wood burners meeting the 1.5 g/kg standard can be installed.
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Hawke's Bay?
A standard chimney sweep costs $110–$170 across Hawke's Bay. Most providers service both Napier and Hastings, giving good availability across the metro area.
Can I have an open fire in Napier or Hastings?
No new open fires can be installed on properties under 2 hectares in Airshed 1 (Napier and Hastings urban areas). Existing open fires may be used but cannot be reinstated if removed. You must use an enclosed wood burner.
What firewood is best in Hawke's Bay?
Gum, macrocarpa, and manuka are excellent options in Hawke's Bay. The region's dry climate makes firewood seasoning easier than in wetter parts of NZ. Always aim for below 20% moisture content.
Need a chimney sweep?
Tell us where you are and what you need. We'll match you with a verified local sweep and have them in touch within one business day.