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Homeowner’s Guide to Wood Burner Compliance in Christchurch

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Is Your Wood Burner Consent Expiring Soon?

If you’re a Christchurch homeowner with a wood burner, you may have received a letter from ECan notifying you that your fireplace consent is about to expire. This is part of the Canterbury region’s effort to phase out older wood burners, aiming to improve air quality and protect public health.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know, why these changes are happening, the new rules, and the steps you can take to stay compliant.

What is the Issue?

Across Canterbury, there are approximately 12,400 wood burners that don’t meet current emission standards, with over 10,000 of these located in the Christchurch Clean Air Zone. Thousands more are set to become non-compliant by the end of 2027.

These non-compliant wood burners will need to be replaced with either a newer, compliant model or an alternative heating source such as a heat pump.

Read more via ECan here.

christchurch clean air zone 4
christchurch clean air zone 4

Why is This Happening?

Canterbury has struggled with winter air pollution due to the heavy reliance on wood burners. These traditional burners release fine particulate matter (PM10) into the air, which poses health risks to the region’s residents.

Environment Canterbury (ECan), the regional council overseeing air quality, has introduced measures to improve air quality by gradually phasing out older, less efficient wood burners. By transitioning to ultra-low-emission burners, or to other heating options, Canterbury aims to reduce PM10 levels and create a healthier environment for all residents.

Read more about improving Canturbury’s air quality via ECan here.

What are the Rules?

The rules for wood burners in Christchurch vary depending on the size and location of your property. 

christchurch clean air table rules
christchurch clean air table rules

For detailed guidelines, you can download the Christchurch Clean Air Zone heating rules and view Clean Air Zone boundaries via the ECan website here.

Which type of new wood burner can I install in my home?

ULEB, LEB, Clean Air or Rural.

This will also depend on the size of your property and the location of your home. Whether you live in a rural area, urban setting, or within the Clean Air Zone will determine which options you have when choosing a new wood burner.

The table below provides a guide to help you determine the most suitable wood burner for your property within Christchurch's Clean Air Zone.

christchurch clean air table fires1
christchurch clean air table fires1

For wider Canturbury Clean Air Zone rules, please see here.

Your Questions Answered

To find out if you’re affected by these changes, you can enter your address into ECan’s Solid Burner Fuel Database here.

Yes, but it must meet ECan’s new regulation, and requirements will depend on your location.

You can refer to the new rules above, or visit the ECan website here.

You could opt for a compliant wood burner or consider other heating options such as a gas fireplace, electric fireplace, or heat pump. For expert advice, talk to your local heating specialist at Stoke Fireplace Studio to see which option is best for you, your home and your lifestyle.

Costs vary depending on your choice of heating replacement. You’ll need to budget for:

  • The new appliance
  • Installation and consent application
  • Possible additional trades, depending on your fireplaces fuel type and installation requirements.

For detailed information, you can contact ECan directly or visit Stoke Fireplace Studio, where our local heating specialist can guide you through the process.

Your Next Steps

christchurch stoke maxen

1. Check Your Wood Burner’s Status

Use ECan’s Solid Burner Register to see if your current wood burner meets compliance standards. 

2. Consult with a Local Expert

At Stoke Christchurch, the team specialise in modern ULEB wood burners that meet all current standards. They offer a range of compliant wood burners and can handle the entire process for you—from selecting the right burner for your home to managing the consent process, removing the old wood burner, and installing the new one.

For a seamless transition to a compliant heating solution, contact Stoke Christchurch today to discuss your options.

Contact Stoke