Nelson/Tasman Wood Burner Rules
Quick Answer
Nelson/Tasman requires wood burners to meet a 1.0 g/kg emission limit within the Nelson airshed, bans firewood over 25% moisture, and offers up to $3,000 for burner replacements.
Council
Nelson City Council / Tasman District Council
Emission Limit
1 g/kg
Subsidy Amount
$3,000
Nelson City Council offers up to $3,000 for replacing older wood burners with approved ultra-low emission models.
Clean Air Zones
| Zone Name | Rules | Burner Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nelson City | 1.0 g/kg emission limit — stricter than national standard. Firewood must be below 25% moisture. Open fires banned. | Ultra-low emission burners only. Moisture meter recommended. Subsidies up to $3,000 for replacement. |
| Richmond | May fall within Nelson airshed boundary. Check with Tasman District Council for your specific property. | 1.0 g/kg if in Nelson airshed, otherwise 1.5 g/kg standard. Confirm with Tasman DC. |
| Stoke | 1.0 g/kg emission limit within the Nelson airshed boundary. | Ultra-low emission burners only. Firewood below 25% moisture. |
| Tahunanui | 1.0 g/kg emission limit within the Nelson airshed boundary. | Ultra-low emission burners only. Firewood below 25% moisture. |
Clean air zone data for Nelson/Tasman
Phase-Out Timeline
| Burner Type | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2005 wood burners (Nelson airshed) | 1 January 2027 | Pre-2005 burners in the Nelson airshed to be phased out. Nelson City Council subsidies up to $3,000 available for replacement. |
Phase-out schedule for Nelson/Tasman
Key Rules
- 1.0 g/kg emission limit in Nelson airshed
- Firewood moisture must be below 25%
- Open fires banned in Nelson urban area
- Building consent required for all new installations
- Subsidies available up to $3,000 for burner replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wood burner rules in Nelson/Tasman?
Nelson requires 1.0 g/kg emissions within the Nelson airshed — stricter than the 1.5 g/kg national standard. Firewood must be below 25% moisture. Open fires are banned in the urban area. Tasman District applies the 1.5 g/kg standard unless within the Nelson airshed boundary.
What subsidies are available for replacing wood burners in Nelson?
Nelson City Council offers subsidies up to $3,000 for replacing non-compliant wood burners within the Nelson airshed. Check eligibility on the Nelson City Council website — the subsidy covers part of the cost of a new burner and installation.
What is the firewood moisture rule in Nelson?
Firewood burned in the Nelson airshed must be below 25% moisture content. Using a moisture meter is essential — ask your sweep or firewood supplier. Burning wet wood is a fineable offence in Nelson and the primary cause of winter smog.
How much does a chimney sweep cost in Nelson/Tasman?
A standard chimney sweep costs $110–$170 across the Nelson/Tasman region. With nearly half of all homes having wood burners, there's excellent sweep availability.
Do Nelson airshed rules apply in Richmond and Motueka?
It depends on your exact location. Richmond falls under Tasman District Council but may be within the Nelson airshed boundary. Motueka typically follows the standard 1.5 g/kg limit. Check with Tasman District Council for your specific property.
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