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Whakauruhia he ahi tahu wahie

Install solid fuel heating

Solid fuel heaters burn wood, coal, wood pellets, or similar material.

What you need to do when you install solid fuel heating

If you want to install, replace or relocate any appliance that contains fire (new or second-hand), you will need a building consent.

If you don't have a building consent, you may have problems with your insurance in case of fire.

You do not need resource consent to install solid fuel heating.

If you are installing a wood burner or indoor fire, the appliance must comply with both:

the national regulations, as set out on the Ministry for the Environment website
regional standards, as specified in the Air Quality Bylaw for Indoor Domestic Fires 2017

The manufacturer of the solid fuel heating appliance can advise you which appliances comply with these regulations and standards.

Our tip

If you are just maintaining your current appliance, including replacing the firebricks or the flue, you do not need a building consent.

Approved solid fuel heating appliances

All solid fuel heating appliances must be tested and show compliance with the NES emission and efficiency standards.

It is illegal to use any wood burner that was installed after 1 September 2005 (on a site less than 2ha) that does not comply with this standard.

A list of approved appliances is available on the Ministry for Environment website.

Installing a solid fuel heating appliance

If the installation is not done by a council-approved producer statement author, you will need to book a solid fuel appliance inspection to show that the work complies with the consent documentation.

If you are using a producer statement author to install your solid fuel heating, in addition to applying for a building consent, you will also need to:

complete an agreement to provide a producer statement, and
submit the producer statement to us after the installation is complete.

Select all

AC2326 Agreement to provide a producer statement during construction AC2326 Agreement to provide a producer statement during construction PDF 228.8 KB
AC2327 Producer statement construction (PS3) Solid fuel heating – Installer to complete AC2327 Producer statement construction (PS3) Solid fuel heating – Installer to complete PDF 119 KB

Installing an outdoor fireplace

You can install an outdoor fireplace without a building consent, although you may still need a resource consent.

Installing a wetback will always need a building consent

If you are installing a wetback you will need to:

apply for a building consent
show the details of the installation and pipework on your plans.

You will need to book a solid fuel appliance inspection to check the installation complies with the consent documentation.

Although we inspect the installation, you need to make sure it is carried out by:

a certifying plumber, or
a registered or licensed plumber under the supervision of a certifying plumber.

Solid fuel heating consent fee

Read fee table.
Service	Fee
Solid fuel heating appliance fixed fee (non-refundable, no additional charges) installed by an approved installer offering a producer statement	$294
Solid fuel heating appliance fixed fee (non-refundable, no additional charges) installed by a person who is not an approved installer and includes one inspection deposit fee (cost for inspection activities)	Fixed fee of $294 plus Inspection deposit of $174
Solid fuel heating appliance with Wetback includes a fixed fee (non-refundable, no additional charges) and one inspection deposit (cost for inspection activities)	Fixed fee of $294 plus Inspection deposit of $174

The installer must be listed on our producer statement authors register.

How to apply for a consent to install solid fuel heating

An approved installers can apply for the building consent on your behalf. You will need to give the approved installer written authority to act on your behalf.

Online

Upload the completed AC1016 Lodgement checklist: Solid fuel heating appliance with your online application.

You will need to login to complete the online application and pay by Visa, MasterCard, Online EFTPOS or Account2Account (bank transfer).

Apply for solid fuel heating

We only accept online applications for this service. If you are unable to apply digitally, visit one of our service centres for assistance in making your online application.

Call us on 09 301 0101 to speak with our building and planning help desk if you have questions regarding your application.

AC1016 Lodgement checklist – Solid fuel heating appliances only

PDF download 228.8 KB

What happens next

We process the solid fuel heating applications within 20 working days.

We will let you know the decision by email.