Rural Fire

Council no longer governs fire and emergency activity in the district; this includes fire seasons and permitting. This is the responsibility of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

All fire permitting enquiries must go to Fire and Emergency New Zealand. You can contact them by:

• phone on 0800 658 628;
• email on firepermit.enquiry@fireandemergency.nz; or
• getting in touch through their website, www.checkitsalright.nz.

To see current fire season details, please visit FENZ's fire permit system pages, where you will find an interactive fire season map and you can search for your region.

Overgrown Sections

An overgrown, unkempt section is not just an eyesore, it can also be a fire hazard.  

Long, dry grass can be fuel for a fire that starts on the property or spreads from elsewhere. Overgrowth can also be a breeding ground for rats and vermin, flies, mosquitoes and other insects. These pests can transmit disease.

To reduce these risks, make sure your section is well maintained. Cut long grass regularly and clear the property of loose rubbish.

If you're a renter, it's a good idea to talk to your landlord about who has responsibility for maintaining the section. 

Dealing with overgrown sections

Council will only deal with overgrown sections if it presents a potential risk to health, e.g. if it provides a breeding ground for rats and vermin.

If there's a property in your neighbourhood that you believe is causing a fire hazard due to an unkempt section, try talking to the property owner first. If this does not resolve the problem, you can contact FENZ by completing this online form (make sure you take photos of the property to attach to the online form) or calling on 0800 336 942.