The Canterbury Air Regional Plan (Air Plan)
became operative on 31 October 2017, and makes significant changes
to the rules relating to home heating. It's important that
anyone who uses a wood-burner or pellet burner (solid fuel
burner), or who is looking to install one, understands
these changes.
The Air Plan identifies 'Clean Air Zones' – in
particular these include Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi,
Ashburton, Timaru, Geraldine and Waimate. This article concentrates
on the impact of the Air Plan on homeowners within any of the Clean
Air Zones. In general, for properties outside the Clean Air Zones,
the restrictions on solid fuel burners are much less stringent.
The most critical change is the absolute prohibition of
"older style woodburners". These are essentially any
burners that do not meet the 'Low Emission' or 'Ultra
Low Emission' standards. If your solid fuel burner is not
approved by Environment Canterbury, it is prohibited to use. This
same prohibition
