The absurdity of Nelson’s air quality rules is becoming more apparent as stories of frustrated Nelsonians come forward.
The latest is at one Tasman St property, where neighbours Melissa Short and Barbara Ferguson are separated by one concrete wall, and while one is allowed to use their wood burner, the other isn’t.
For those campaigning for Nelson City Council to relax its current Nelson Air Quality Plan, it’s a perfect example of bureaucracy gone mad, but the chair of the planning and regulatory committee says it’s unlikely any changes will be made before this winter.
Councillor Brian McGurk will chair a meeting on Thursday, May 8, where the findings of a review into the current rules around wood burners will be discussed. Those opposed to the current rules say change needs to be made now.
For Melissa Short frustration has led her to start a petition against the current rules and says, as a young mother, she’d prefer to heat her home with wood, as opposed to the heat pump which she currently has. “This area is a clean air shed and has never posed a problem. These rules are punitive. People are really struggling and I look over at my next door neighbour, who is feet away, and she’s loading firewood.”
Melissa moved into the house last December with her two children, aged 5 and 3, and when the fire in her home was already capped. She says she’s called councils across New Zealand and can’t find one other that would impose regulations like that on a clean air shed. “Anywhere in New Zealand you can upgrade your wood burner, irrespective of the pollution levels, that’s the current status quo.”
During her interview with Nelson Weekly, Melissa watched as Barbara had a trailer load of firewood delivered. She says she’s happy for Barbara but can’t understand why her wood burner can’t be upgraded to a clean air burner and be allowed to heat her home.
Her petition has attracted hundreds of signatures and the support of councillor Tim Skinner who says he’ll be urging his colleagues to relax the rules as soon as possible. He says he’s heard stories of people turning off their heater in the coldest weeks of winter so they can afford groceries. “It brings a tear to my eye and these families are snuggling together under a blanket to stay warm. It’s not right.”
To sign Melissa’s petition, visit www.woodburnersfornelson.co.nz.
