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NZ Herald
5 days ago
- General
- NZ Herald
Hawke's Bay fires: Penalty of fine criticised as ‘economic incentive to burn'
'$300 is not a deterrent. It's actually an economic incentive to burn,' Graham said. 'I rang the Pollution hotline. This was one of the worst examples of air pollution that I have seen this year, which is saying something considering the extent of this activity,' Graham said. 'This fire was in blatant disregard and abuse of our community's air quality and the law. 'The smoke was drifting towards Hastings, completely covering the entire region between Railway Rd and Havelock North,' Graham said. 'It was difficult to drive on Riverslea Rd heading back into Hastings due to limited visibility.' HBRC said its pollution response team investigated a complaint regarding smoke in the Longlands Rd area on July 27. 'As a result of that investigation, enforcement action has been taken and a $300 fine issued.' HBRC compliance manager Matt Wilkinson said it was frustrating that the council's ability to deter this behaviour was constrained by the fines set at a national level. 'But we acknowledge the changes made by the Government, coming into effect in September, which lifts the infringement fines to $600 for individuals or $1200 for companies as a move in the right direction of discouraging burning in or near airsheds.' Graham said those planned increases were not high enough and would still encourage fires to save money. Air pollution records published in Hawke's Bay Today on Friday, August 8, show the National Environment Standard air quality was also exceeded in Hastings on July 26 (54 micrograms). In a 12-month period in 2023-24, HBRC received about 80 complaints of burning during winter. More than 70 infringement fines were issued. Orchard burnoffs are allowed under the Regional Air Quality rules, but they must meet specific conditions. Christian Jirkowsky, who moved from Austria to Hawke's Bay in 2007 and has more than 30 years' experience in the power and heat generation sector, where wood, biomass, and fossil fuels are used for energy production, said it was widely acknowledged and scientifically proven that even brief exposure to fine particles (PM 2.5 and PM1) and aerosols emitted from open wood burning increases the risk of non-accidental and respiratory-related fatalities. 'This is why most developed countries have banned open burning and apply severe consequences for violations,' he said. 'Wood smoke exposure induces airway irritation, causes lung damage, and substantially increases the likelihood of developing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], and heart attacks,' Jirkowsky said. What is an airshed? An airshed is a legally designated air-quality management area. In New Zealand, regional councils and unitary authorities have identified areas to be managed as airsheds for the national environmental standards for air quality. The majority of airsheds may have levels of pollutants that exceed the national environmental standards for air quality. Some airsheds are also identified based on factors such as: the number of people living in the airshed now or in the future unique weather patterns and geography local air emissions, such as local industrial activity, which need to be specifically considered and managed. Why do we have airsheds? HBRC says airshed rules exist because smoke from backyard fires in urban areas, though they may seem minor, adds up quickly. On cold, still days, the smoke lingers and affects air quality. 'If everyone lit backyard fires, it would quickly become a serious pollution issue. These rules help protect our whānau and community from the harmful health effects of smoke, especially in winter when it gets trapped close to the ground.' LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
EDS Says Proposals For Climate Adaptation Have Significant Gaps
The report of the government's Independent Reference Group on Climate Adaptation was released today. It contains a series of recommendations including: Improving the quality, consistency and accessibility of natural hazard risk information Mandating council adaptation planning under the Local Government Act 2002 Legislating to reduce liability risks for decision-makers A 'beneficiary pays' approach to investment in risk reduction measures, with the Crown only contributing to protect its own assets, or where 'broader national' benefits can be realised or costs reduced or avoided. Funding support for iwi/hapū/Māori adaptation initiatives for Māori land and cultural infrastructure No buyouts for property owners after a transition period of 20 years Continued hardship support provided by central government after major events but not connected to property values 'There are some good elements in these proposals', said EDS's Policy Director Raewyn Peart, who is currently writing a book on climate adaptation. 'Certainly, more consistent, higher quality and more accessible information on hazard risks will benefit everyone. Recognition that iwi and hapū will require funding support for their adaptation initiatives is also positive. 'It's also good to see adaption planning being mandated, although additional support will likely be needed for some councils to adequately resource this. Plans will need legal status so they influence other decision-making. 'Unfortunately, the report also has some notable gaps. Although the Reference Group states in the body of the report that development in high-risk areas should be avoided there are no suggestions on how this should be achieved. 'This an issue that needs urgent action. Thousands of homes are still being built in hazardous areas and this needs to stop. EDS has recommended that government promulgate a National Environment Standard, with immediate effect, to clearly state that councils must not consent development in areas subject to high hazard risk. 'The other notable gap in the recommendations is the lack of any provision for managed retreat. The approach being proposed is essentially 'unmanaged' retreat where people will be left to make their own decisions on whether to stay or leave a high-risk area. 'This means that relocation, if it occurs at all, is only likely to take place post-event, after damage has occurred and an insurance payout is available to cover at least some of the loss. Those without adequate insurance, or other means to leave, will likely be trapped in an increasingly risky environment. 'It will be exceedingly difficult for councils to plan withdrawal of service provision, as unmanaged relocation generally occurs in a haphazard manner, and gradually over long periods of time. 'On the other hand, managed retreat enables people to be moved, in a coordinated and safe manner, and before costly damage occurs. It gets everyone out of harms' way. The danger of waiting post-event was highlighted by the consequences of Cyclone Gabrielle when 11 people lost their lives. 'It was also disappointing to see no mention of the need to allow space for rivers to shift as floodplains are modified by climate change. 'EDS is keen to work with government as these proposals are fleshed out into legislation later in the year. What we need is an enduring solution that is fair for everyone,' concluded Ms Peart. Environmental Defence Society EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence. Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes. EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement. EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference. EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
