A Proposed Temporary Law Change Will Allow Hawkes Bay Landowners To Burn Mixed Waste So They Can Replant and Return To Productivity

A proposed temporary law change will allow Hawkes Bay landowners to burn mixed waste so they can replant and return to productivity. It is a short-term law change but will ensure any such burning is subject to proper management avoiding the risk of materials being burned in an uncontrolled way. Farmers have been concerned at the amount of debris to be gotten rid off and the rules preventing burning it. The piles of old trees and rubbish put growers at risk of missing the June-July growing season and thus creating further threats to livelihoods already put at risk by severe weather damage. Environment Minister David Parker announced a proposed Order in Council under the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Act to temporarily allow open-air burning of cyclone and flood waste in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. If approved, the Order in Council will take effect later this month and expire on 15 December. It comes a month after rules were loosened to allow orchardists to burn prunings under certain strict conditions.