On 17 May 2023 there was a strong smell of smoke in the house, even though all the doors and windows were shut tight. A look to the north showed clouds of green waste smoke billowing into the air from some distance away. The wind from the northerly quarter was driving it over Waikawa Beach.
Later when I went for a brief walk I found my clothes stank when I got home.
The smoke continued on the 18th. When I drove out on errands I discovered someone was burning remnants from tree felling on the north side of Waikawa Beach Road not far from Emma Drive. It looked like we were in for days more smoke and not being able to open doors or windows.
Luckily the rain came next day so maybe the fires are out now.
Smoke nuisance
Horizons Regional Council point out that smoke from open fires must not go beyond the boundaries of your own property.
(b) The discharge^ must not result in any offensive or objectionable odour, dust, smoke or water^ vapour beyond the boundary of the property*.
The full rules can be found in Chapter 15.5 of the One Plan (PDF) (see Rule 15–7 on page 15–12).
Horowhenua District Council confirmed they manage smoke nuisance complaints and these need to be phoned through at the time it is happening. 06 366 0999
