Fire Restrictions

Overview

All fire-related activities are managed by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Information from FENZ about:

  • fire seasons;
  • the current season in your location;
  • how to safely light a fire;
  • fire types; and
  • how to apply for a permit

can be found at checkitsalright.nz (if you do not have an internet connection please phone 0800 658 628 for assistance).

Horowhenua District Fire Season Status 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is responsible for fire control in all urban and rural locations. This includes declaring fire seasons and issuing fire permits.

Prohibited Fire Season (Total Fire Ban) on all Beaches

A total fire ban remains in place on all Horowhenua beaches and sand dunes.

Fire Safe Camping with Cully

Applying for a permit

Visit checkitsalright.nz to apply for a permit and to see the types of fires which have been authorised as not being fires in open air and do not need a permit.

It is an offence if you knowingly or recklessly light, or allow another person to light, a fire in open air in an area that is in a Restricted Fire Season unless under a permit issued by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and in accordance with any conditions of the permit.

Any permits issued during a Restricted Fire Season are suspended if Fire and Emergency declares a Prohibited Fire Season, or prohibits fire in open air in the area. If necessary, a permit can be suspended at any time by Fire and Emergency.

Note: All beach and sand dune areas remain in a Prohibited Fire Season (Total Fire Ban) 365 days a Year.

A permit is required to light a fire in open air in these areas.

  • All Public Conservation Land administered by the Department of Conservation remains in a Year round/365 Day Restricted Fire Season.
  • Commercial Forestry areas. These remain in a Restricted Fire Season. In the first instance contact is to be made with the Forest Owners or Managers.
  • Urban areas under City or District Councils Fire Bylaw control remain in their normal year round Restricted Season (Permits required).
  • All beach and sand dune areas remain in a Prohibited Fire Season (Total Fire Ban) 365 days a Year. 

Fire Hazard Removal

If there's a property in your neighbourhood that you believe is a health or safety hazard due to an unkempt section, you might first try talking to the property owner.

If this does not resolve the problem, please contact Horowhenua District Council on (06) 366 0999 to report a concern that does not present a fire risk, such as hoarding and other nuisance issues including vermin control.

If your concern is a fire risk, you can let FENZ know about your concern by completing the online form available on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website or calling 0800 658 628. Please note that FENZ is only able to take action to deal with genuine fire hazards, and not where the property is just unsightly or presents a health hazard.

Fire Emergencies

For all fire emergencies phone 111, and give your name, address, telephone number and rural number (if applicable).

Fire and Emergency Services Act 2017

Under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2017, the cost of fighting a fire in an urban area by the Fire Service is mostly funded by a fire levy on building insurance, but the rules in rural areas are different.

Landowners can contact Fire and Emergency New Zealand on 0800 658 628 for more information.