Wood Burners - The RulesPākaiahi - Ngā ture

Domestic wood burners

Hawke's Bay Regional Council enforces national environmental standards for air quality.

If you're planning to install a domestic wood burner or to move a wood burner within the same house on a Napier property smaller than two hectares, check that it is a model approved by the Ministry for the Environment and Hawke's Bay Regional Council. 

Building consent for new installations

A Building Consent is required for the installation or replacement of a domestic wood burner. Attach the following documentation in PDF format to the online application:

• If the installer is acting as the agent, attach a letter of authority from the owner.
• A copy of the manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions for the fire and flue.
• A copy of the floor/wall penetration kit if applicable.
• A copy of the elevations and details of how the flue penetrations and projections will comply with AS/NZS 2918.
• A copy of a full scaled/dimensioned floor plan of the house showing:
• The location of the fireplace.
• All windows and doors.
• All sleeping areas, and any sleepout on the property.
• Smoke alarm/s positioning.
• No old stamps, annotations or previous approvals i.e. information on the plans should only pertain to the proposed work.
• A copy of the chimney/roof flashing details of the flue compliant with E2 (including any alternative solution). If re-using any existing flashings, this must be stated on the application.
• A copy of the mantel and/or hearth details. If either does not comply with B1, B2 or C1-6 state how you intend to make them comply with the manufacturers specifications (if applicable).
• If the application includes a wet-back, a plumbing specification and schematic for the hot water cylinder, wet-back, a plumbing specification and schematic for the hot water cyclinder, wet-back and tempering valve is required.  Note: all plumbing work must be completed by a Certifying Plumber.
• Approved smoke detectors with hush buttons must be installed in or within 3 metres of each sleeping space and in the escape routes on all levels within the household unit.

Any second-hand solid fuel heater (fireplace) must have an acceptable producer statement (durability certificate) from an approved author/qualified person and they will be potentially liable should the heater fail to meet the durability requirements. Producer statements/durability certificates must be on letterhead, state durability of the solid fuel heater and must be signed and dated. All solid fuel heaters are to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

More information

• Hawke's Bay Regional Council has a section on wood burners and home fires in Hawke's Bay. 
  
• The Ministry of the Environment has a list of authorised domestic wood burners on its website.