Clean Heat Not Up In Smoke

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has requested a meeting with the Minister for the Environment and expects to meet Hon. Dr Nick Smith during February to ask that the date for implementing the Government’s requirement to improve the region’s air quality be changed from 2013 to 2020.

At the same time, the Regional Council plans to review a newly-implemented “time of sale” rule with the possibility that it will withdraw it.

Council adopted the “time of sale” rule at a meeting held on 10 December 2008 on the assumption that it would be open to full consultation and a submission process. However, because of special provisions in the Resource Management Act 1991, this rule took effect immediately, while other parts of the proposed changes will go through consultation processes. This rule is also inconsistent with other proposed rules and with Council’s attempts, including seeking discussion with the Minister, to delay implementation of the air quality standard. The rule will be reviewed by Councillors at a meeting to be held in February.

Rex McIntyre, Regional Council Chairman commented, “We are keen to talk to central government about moving the compliance date to 2020. And withdrawing the time of sale rule will not only take pressure off Hawke’s Bay homeowners, but also the real estate, valuation and legal organisations that would need to follow this law.”

“We’re also conscious of the local economy and not stretching household budgets beyond their limits to achieve the standard. Council expects the proposed financial assistance programme will ease the transition to new burners for some homeowners, particularly as old models wear out.”

The Regional Council has up-to-date information on the Clean Heat programme on its website. As well as the proposed rules, it covers how to light and maintain a fire, promotes the use of dry ‘good wood’, heating options and provides a list of compliant products.

Submissions on the proposed rules may be made until Monday 2nd March 2009 at 5.00pm.