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Community life

Outdoor fires

Overview

Outdoor rubbish fires

Most local councils have bylaws dealing with outdoor rubbish fires, including incinerators, for safety reasons and to control pollution. Bylaws may:

  • ban outdoor fires and incinerators
  • require the person setting the fire to have a council or Fire Service permit
  • restrict outdoor fires to certain areas or times of the year
  • require that a hose is available that is connected to a pressurised water supply
  • require outdoor fires to be set a certain distance away from buildings, trees or fences
  • ban fires at night
  • require steps to be taken to minimise smoke.

What about outdoor cooking?

Outdoor fires for cooking, such as hāngī, umu and barbecues, are usually allowed at any time, so long as you take proper fire safety precautions. However, there may sometimes be specific restrictions (for example, during a dry summer).

Because the rules can vary from district to district and can also depend on the weather, it’s a good idea to check with the local council or fire service about specific restrictions.

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Neighbourhood life

Where to go for more support

General information about neighbourhood issues

Community Law

www.communitylaw.org.nz

Your local Community Law Centre can provide initial free legal advice and information.

Citizens Advice Bureau

www.cab.org.nz

Phone: 0800 367 222

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) website provides information on a range of neighbourhood problems. Your local CAB can help you work your way through a problem with your neighbour.

Consumer New Zealand

www.consumer.org.nz

The “Neighbours and property” section of this website has information covering a range of neighbourhood problems.

Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand)

www.kaingaora.govt.nz

The “Neighbours” section of this website has information for neighbours of Kainga Ora properties.

If you have a problem with a Kainga Ora neighbour, you can contact their Customer Services Centre on: 0800 801 601

Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz

This website has fact sheets covering a range of neighbourhood problems.

New Zealand Law Society

www.lawsociety.org.nz

You can read the NZLS pamphlet “Disputes between your neighbours” online www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/common-legal-issues

You can access pamphlets online or order hard copies from the New Zealand Law Society.

Phone: (04) 472 7837

Email: pamphlets@lawsociety.org.nz

Dogs

Department of Internal Affairs

www.dia.govt.nz

The “Dog control” section of this website has information about the Dog Control Act and about microchipping dogs. www.dia.govt.nz/Resource-material-Dog-Control-Index

SPCA New Zealand

www.rnzspca.org.nz

For information on some of the legal responsibilities of pet owners go to: www.spca.nz/what-we-do/seek-justice/animal-welfare-act

Ministry for Primary Industries

For a full guide to the Animal Welfare Act 1999, go to:
www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/animal-welfare/guide-to-the-animal-welfare-care-and-procedures-regulations

Getting help if you’re homeless

Āwhina

www.awhina.net.nz

Āwhina is a directory of services in Auckland for the homeless, by the homeless.

Women’s refuges

www.womensrefuge.org.nz/contact-us/find-your-local-refuge

Find your local women’s refuge.

Housing First

www.housingfirst.co.nz/help

Housing First is a group of providers covering all of Auckland.

Services in main centres

Auckland City Mission:
www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz

The People’s Project, Hamilton:
www.thepeoplesproject.org.nz/get-help

Downtown Community Ministry (DCM), Wellington:
www.dcm.org.nz

Christchurch City Mission:
www.citymission.org.nz

Dunedin Night Shelter (for men):
www.dunedinnightshelter.co.nz

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