If the industry is to retain burning as a tool, growers need to be wise in how and when they burn. There can be a substantial impact on the wider community from ash and smoke, and such impacts generally result in calls from members of the public for a complete ban on stubble burning.
All farmers need to apply for a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to undertake a crop residue burn in a restricted fire season.
Applications for a crop residue burn can be made at www.checkitsalright.nz and following the prompts on the website. The application can be made before the declaration of a restricted fire season and when approved, will be for the duration of the fire season. Applications can take up to seven (7) working days to be approved.
Do not undertake a crop residue burn until you have received your approved Crop Residue Burning permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand act it is an offence to knowingly or recklessly light a fire into open air without a fire permit during a restricted or prohibited fire season.
Growers within 5 km of either Ashburton or Timaru must apply to ECan for a consent to burn.
FAR, ECan and Federated Farmers staff are in frequent communication around how best to get the message about safe burning to growers and those in the wider community.
So, if you are planning on undertaking a Crop Residue Burn this season, please make sure you are aware of, and comply with, the requirements of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Environment Canterbury for managing this process.
For more information, see the links below to download documents.
Canterbury Regional Air Plan Go to Rule 7.9 to find out more about consent requirements
ECan Outdoor burning rules including Ashburton and Timaru buffer zones
ECan Smoke Management Plan template
For further advice from ECan, please contact 0800 324 636