Wellington, Te Ūpoko Fire plan for - Fire and Emergency New Zealand
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Fire plan for
Wellington, Te Ūpoko
2021-2024
Document Title: Wellington Fire Plan – Draft for consultation Published: 27 April 2021 Document review date: Jun 2021 based on consultation feedback Status of this document This document is issued by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Recommendations for change The document, its content and specific processes are not to be altered except through Fire and Emergency New Zealand document management processes. Requests or recommendations for changes to this material should be sent to the Region Manager, Te Ūpoko. © 27 April 2021 Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Wellington Fire Plan Table of contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Required by legislation ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Content of the fire plans .................................................................................................................................. 2 Consultation ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Key stakeholders ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Review and amendment................................................................................................................................... 3 Description of the fire plan area......................................................................................................................... 4 National Framework for Fire Control ................................................................................................................. 8 Our policies ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Fire seasons ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Trigger thresholds for changing fire seasons .................................................................................................10 Prohibiting fires in the open air (section 52) ....................................................................................................10 Trigger thresholds for prohibiting fires in the open air under section 52 ......................................................10 Restricting and prohibiting activities (section 52) ............................................................................................10 Trigger thresholds for restricting or prohibiting activities under section 52 .................................................11 Activities and risk mitigation ..........................................................................................................................11 Forestry operations ......................................................................................................................................11 Activities in rural areas .................................................................................................................................11 Hot works .....................................................................................................................................................12 Powerline auto-reclosures ...........................................................................................................................12 Communicating changes in fire seasons and restrictions or prohibitions .......................................................12 Fire permits.......................................................................................................................................................13 Council bylaws, regional plans, legal covenants or restrictions ...................................................................13 When a permit is needed .............................................................................................................................13 Fire types ......................................................................................................................................................13 Permits in prohibited fire seasons or during prohibitions under Section 52 ...............................................14 Fire breaks ........................................................................................................................................................14 Fire hazard removal ..........................................................................................................................................15 Reporting fire hazards ..................................................................................................................................15 Assessment of fire hazards ...........................................................................................................................15 Outcomes from the assessment...................................................................................................................15 Fire hazard removal notice (section 65) .......................................................................................................16 Imminent danger notice (section 68) ...........................................................................................................16 Compliance and enforcement ..........................................................................................................................17 Fire and Emergency’s role ..............................................................................................................................17 Contact us .........................................................................................................................................................17 Appendix 1 – Schedule of stakeholders ...........................................................................................................18 National-level stakeholders ............................................................................................................................18 Appendix 2 - Zone information.........................................................................................................................21 Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti, Hutt Valley Zone.................................................................................................21 Wellington Beaches Zone ...............................................................................................................................30 27 April 2021 i
Wellington Fire Plan Wairarapa and Wairarapa Coastal Zones .......................................................................................................32 Public conservation land ................................................................................................................................45 Appendix 4 – Fire danger data .........................................................................................................................48 Glossary of Terms .............................................................................................................................................51 27 April 2021 ii
Wellington Fire Plan
Document drafting information
Owner Region Manager, Te Ūpoko
Steward Area Manager, Wellington Area.
Area Manager, Hutt Wairarapa.
Principal Rural Fire Officer, Wellington-Chatham Islands.
Principal Rural Fire Officer, Wairarapa- Tararua.
Last reviewed 23/04/2021
Review period Every three years
Record of amendments
Version Date Author Brief description of amendment
V0.1 March 2021 Martin Wilby, Draft document for review
Assistant Area
Manager
V0.2 1 April 2021 Angel McSaveney Review for national consistency
(Technical Writer) Transferred to updated national template.
Returned for further work
V0.4 09 April 2021 Martin Wilby, Review Tech Writer Comments – Meeting of all Internal
Assistant Area Wellington Stakeholders – draft document amended.
Manager
V0.5a 12-15-16- Martin Wilby, New Wellington Fire Plan Area Map – Zones Changed,
18th April Assistant Area Amendments and update to stakeholders and Zone changes.
2021 Manager
v.6 23 April 2021 Angel McSaveney Reviewed and prepared for public consultation
(Technical Writer
Document review and consultation
Name Title Business Area Date
[Date]
Approval
Approved and issued on [date].
Full Name:
Title: Region Manager
Date:
Signature
Add another block of other signatures as required
27 April 2021 1
Wellington Fire Plan
Introduction
Required by legislation
Fire plans are required by section 22 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 and the Fire and
Emergency New Zealand (Fire Plans) Regulations 2018.
According to Regulation 5 of the Regulations, the purpose of a fire plan is to:
provide transparency and predictability in relation to the use of Fire and Emergency’s fire control
powers under sections 52 to 58 and 62 to 68 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 in each
local area; and
ensure that the particular fire risk conditions in each local area are considered by Fire and Emergency
when it establishes policies and procedures for, and exercises fire control powers within, that local
area.
This means that we must explain how we set locally-appropriate triggers for changing fire seasons for
outdoor fires to require permits, or to prohibit fires and even restrict activities that may cause unwanted
fires. This helps people to understand what to expect, how to plan for this and what they need to do to
comply with any requirements.
We need to take into account the local fire risk conditions, and not just apply a blanket standard across the
country, as all of our areas have different levels of risk, so what may be appropriate for one area of the
country may not be suitable somewhere else.
Content of the fire plans
Fire plans must:
describe the particular fire risk conditions that exist or are likely to exist in the local area. This means
that each fire plan is accurate and relevant for its area, and the fire plan can be broken down into
specific zones within the area where fire risk conditions or control measures differ.
set out the policy for fire control in the local area. This sets out when and why we restrict or prohibit
fires in the outdoors, or restrict activities that may cause unwanted fires.
set out the procedures to be followed for fire control in the local area, including details of the
processes that Fire and Emergency will follow, and the factors that Fire and Emergency will consider,
when deciding to:
o issue notices of prohibitions or restrictions for fire control under section 52 of the Act
o declare a prohibited or restricted fire season in relation to the local area, or a part of that area,
under section 56 of the Act
o issue notices in relation to firebreaks under section 62 of the Act
o issue notices to remove or destroy vegetation or other things on land under section 65 of the Act.
This means that our communities understand how we have come to those decisions, and that we can
show that they are evidence-based decisions that don’t impact on recreational and economic activities
unnecessarily.
A fire plan must be consistent with:
Fire and Emergency’s national strategy
any local planning by Fire and Emergency in respect of the local area
any current operational service agreement and memorandum of understanding that Fire and
Emergency has with other agencies or people relevant to the local area
any relevant Fire and Emergency policies.
27 April 2021 2
Wellington Fire Plan
A fire plan must cover the entire local area that it relates to, but we can break each area down into smaller
zones to manage them individually. This ensures that each fire plan is relevant to everywhere within its
area.
Fire plans are not about how we fight fires in the local area, or the resources available to do so. This plan is
about how, when and why Fire and Emergency will exercise its fire control powers to reduce the incidence
of unwanted fires in the area.
Consultation
Before issuing a fire plan for a local area, or an amended fire plan, Fire and Emergency must:
publish a notice that:
o gives an overview of the content of the proposed plan
o states where you can see and read a copy of the plan
o specifies how you can make a submission on the plan and where to send your submissions
o specifies the closing date and time for submissions
consider every submission received by the closing date and time for submissions.
This notice must be published in the Gazette, or in a newspaper circulating in the local area, or a website.
Key stakeholders
A list of those key stakeholder involved in the creation of the plan, its maintenance and relevant decision
making is included as the stakeholder schedules in the appendices of the plan.
Review and amendment
Fire and Emergency may amend a fire plan at any time, but we must review the fire plan for each local area
at least once every 3 years, or if there are significant changes to the boundaries of the local area.
When we review the fire plan for a local area, we must confirm that the fire plan remains appropriate for
that area; or amend the fire plan, as necessary, and consult on changes.
27 April 2021 3
Wellington Fire Plan
Description of the fire plan area
Overview of the Wellington fire plan area
Geography The Wellington local area boundaries (the boundaries of the Wellington Local Advisory
Committee) are the same as the boundaries of the Greater Wellington Regional
Council. This is divided into Wellington province, including Kāpiti Coast District,
Porirua, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Wellington Cities, and Wairarapa province,
including Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa Districts.
The area’s geography incorporates inland ranges, basins, coastal lowlands and beach.
The complex topography of the fire plan area means that we have separated the area
into a number of zones, as there are significant climatic deviations.
The climate and weather of the area is strongly influenced by the presence of Cook
Strait and the rugged local topography. The Wairarapa province experiences more
temperature and rainfall extremes than Wellington province. Rainfall varies within the
Wellington region by season.
The Wairarapa zones cover 593,624 hectares used intensively for agriculture,
horticulture and viticulture, particularly within the Ruamāhanga Valley, which places a
high economic importance on land use. The eastern hill country supports sheep and
beef farming and commercial forestry. Access within the eastern hill country is
restricted, with some areas being very remote.
The entire area has a mix of both dense and sparsely populated areas. Major transport
routes dissect the province including State Highways 2, 52 and 53, as well as the East
Coast Rail link.
The Wellington province is characterised by steep hills covered in vegetation and
coastal areas with limited access. Land cover concentrations in the Wellington
province includes gorse and broom, indigenous forest, smaller areas of exotic forest,
and coastal areas yielding high producing grass lands.
Potential fire behaviour in this zone increases due to the abundance of flammable
vegetation (high vegetation fuel loads) such as scrub and tussock and the predominant
dry and/or windy climate.
Population growth rates and land available for future housing means this is
encroaching on areas used for agriculture. Marked increase in the fire risk between
the urban and rural interface in the future will create an increase in identified red
zones. Red Zones are areas where specific details apply that may not be part of a
‘normal’ fire plan. We do not have any red zones in currently in the Wellington fire
plan area.
The area sits on several fault lines. Two of the more significant faults are the
Wellington Fault and the Wairarapa Fault. Each of these faults can cause a severe
earthquake. Risks associated with this could result in severe impacts on business
continuity and operational capability, including isolation, road closures, liquefaction,
slips, bridge collapse and risk of fire due to utility services failure.
Climate change projections
Seasonal projections show that Paraparaumu is likely to experience 5 to 13 per cent
more rainfall in winter by 2090 while Masterton is likely to experience up to 7 per cent
less rainfall.
27 April 2021 4
Wellington Fire Plan
The frequency of extremely windy days in the area is likely to increase by 2 to 3 per
cent by 2090. There may be an increase in westerly wind flow during winter, and
north-easterly wind flow during summer.
Predictions of impacts by season identify Wellington province will have an increase in
rainfall, but a decrease in rainfall for Wairarapa province, with temperature rises
ranges from 0.7°C to 3.2°C.
By 2090, the time spent in drought for the fire plan area and Wairarapa in particular,
ranges from minimal change through to more than double, depending on the climate
model and emissions scenario considered. More frequent droughts are likely to lead to
water shortages, increased demand for irrigation and increased risk of wildfires.
Demographics At Fire and Emergency New Zealand, we have an in-depth knowledge of the
demographics for each of the communities we serve. These demographics help us to
understand the type of support each of our communities might need and how we
communicate with them.
We use this knowledge in all aspects of our work, including our delivery of the 4Rs of
emergency management and for fire control measures, such as declaring the
beginning and end of fire seasons, prohibiting and restricting the use of fire, and
issuing fire permits.
The Wellington region is a series of closely interlinked cities and is home to just under
500,000 people. The Wellington province has a projected growth rate of 15 % over the
next 5 years with projections showing Wellington, Porirua and Kāpiti with the highest
growth rates.
Zones Because of the different fire risk conditions that exist in different parts of the fire plan
area, the area is divided into a number of fire season zones to allow for appropriate
fire control measures to be applied locally:
The Wellington fire plan area has 5 zones:
Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti and the Hutt Valley
Wellington Beaches
Wairarapa
Wairarapa Coastal
Public conservation lands (Department of Conservation lands)
Each zone is described and its relevant trigger thresholds and other factors for
changing fire seasons are listed in the appendices.
Further information on how public conservation land is managed is described within
the special risk section on each zone.
New Zealand Fire and Emergency has entered into an operational service agreement with the New
Defence Force Zealand Defence Force. The New Zealand Defence Force exercises fire control powers
in relation to certain defence areas listed in a schedule to the agreement.
None of the scheduled defence areas are in the Wellington local area. Any New
Zealand Defence Force activities, including training activities, are subject to Fire and
Emergency’s fire control powers, including fire permit requirements.
27 April 2021 5
Wellington Fire Plan
Frequency of On average, Wellington experiences:
elevated fire
3.5 days of extreme fire danger
danger
5 days of very high fire danger
On average, Wairarapa experiences:
10.4 days of extreme fire danger
7.1 days of very high fire danger
Fire danger in many parts of New Zealand is expected to increase due to higher
temperatures, stronger winds, and lower rainfall and humidity associated with climate
change. This fire plan considers this trend in very high and extreme fire danger by site.
Wellington is very likely to experience decreasing fire danger, while Wairarapa is very
likely increasing. By 2090, the area is projected to have from 6 to 40 extra days per
year where maximum temperatures exceed 25°C .
Fire history The known fire history for this area includes:
Year Fire Cause
2006 Maringi *(200ha) Chainsaw
2007 Waipuna * (5ha) Powerlines in trees
2008 Kaikuri Two* (38ha) Arson
2011 Young* (15 ha) Powerlines in trees
2013 Wire* (9ha) Possible arson
2013 Kaikuri Three* (230ha) Arson
2015 Whatarangi (45ha) Mower strike
2015 Erindale* (38ha) Chainsaw
2015 Whareama *(200ha) Chainsaw
2001 Avro Road * (16ha) Arson
*fire within large area of commercial forest.
In three of the last 15 years, Wairarapa has had the single most significant wildfire
(size, cost and/or loss) in New Zealand.
27 April 2021 6Wellington Fire Plan 27 April 2021 7
Wellington Fire Plan
National Framework for Fire Control
The National Framework for Fire Control consists of policies, procedures and tools that enable Fire and
Emergency to manage fires – using fires where appropriate and restricting or prohibiting them when there
is a risk of unwanted fire. These are available in the Checkitsalright.nz website, the fire permit application
system with additional information on our public webpage.
Fire and Emergency has a number of statutory fire control powers that can be applied to help reduce risk,
as follows:
Setting fire seasons
Prohibiting fire in open air or revoking the prohibition
Prohibiting or restricting other activities or revoking the prohibition or restriction
Fire permitting
Control of fire breaks
Fire hazard management
Our policies
The current internal-use policies and associated supporting processes that guide our decisions and actions
are:
Fire seasons, prohibitions and restrictions policy, relating to sections 52 to 58 of the Act and decisions to:
declare or revoke a prohibited or restricted fire season
prohibit fire in open air or revoke a prohibition
prohibit or restrict activities that may cause a fire to start or spread, and revoke prohibition or
restriction.
Fire permitting policy, supporting the policy above and also defining actions for:
supporting a member of the public who is applying for a fire permit
assessing a fire permit application
granting or renewing a fire permit
refusing to grant or renew a fire permit
suspending or cancelling a fire permit
operational decisions when responding to an alarm of fire in open air.
Fire hazard removal policy, relating to sections 65 to 67 of the Act and decisions about what to do when:
a potential fire hazard is reported to Fire and Emergency
we are assessing a potential fire hazard
we arrange for the removal or destruction of a confirmed fire hazard.
Compliance and enforcement policy, covering how we monitor and take action to identify and influence
landowners and others to comply with the requirements of the Act and other relevant legislation. This
covers activities which:
reduce harm from unwanted fire
support the safe use of fire as a land management tool and reduce harm if fire escapes control
minimise avoidance of the Fire Emergency levy
reduce non-compliance with any legislation or regulations under which Fire and Emergency New
Zealand has a compliance function.
Note: work is also under way to define policy and guidance for both internal and stakeholder audiences,
covering:
27 April 2021 8Wellington Fire Plan
Fire breaks- relating to sections 62 to 64 of the Act to support decisions and actions relating to
requirements for landholders to:
make and clear any firebreak on the landholder’s land:
remove any vegetation or other thing from an existing firebreak.
Fire seasons
Fire seasons are used to inform people about the requirements for or restrictions on lighting fires in the
open air, and to limit the use of fire to protect communities from the consequences of unwanted fire.
Fire and Emergency can declare or revoke a prohibited or restricted fire season in an area, and uses its Fire
seasons, prohibitions and restrictions policy and associated processes to manage this.
Fire seasons are applied to geographic zones based on:
the fire environment (fuel types, curing, weather, topography, historic trends)
fire climatic zones
topographical boundaries/features (rivers, roads, coast lines, forest and national park boundaries).
fire control considerations.
One of three types of fire season is in force at any time in an area or zone:
Open fire season Fires may be lit in open air, without restriction.
Applies whenever there is not a prohibited or
restricted fire season in place.
Restricted fire Lighting a fire is riskier than usual. A fire permit is
season required and may also have specific conditions to
make sure fires can be safely lit and remain under
control.
Prohibited fire Lighting fires in the open air is not permitted. Existing
season fire permits are suspended. However, fire permits
may still be granted in exceptional circumstances (see
Fire permits).
Changes to fire seasons are publically notified, including by publishing details on Fire and Emergency’s
website and social media.
It is important that stakeholders know what the current fire season is and understand how they can comply
with the requirements.
To see what the current fire season is within a local area (or zone within an area) go to checkitsalright.nz.
27 April 2021 9Wellington Fire Plan
Trigger thresholds for changing fire seasons
In consultation with stakeholders, Fire Weather System triggers have been set for declaring restricted and
prohibited fire seasons within the fire plan area or fire permit zone within that area. The trigger thresholds
identify when prevailing weather conditions create ongoing potential for problem fires.
The trigger thresholds make use of:
the Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) climatology data for the fire plan area or zone.
historical fire data for the fire plan area or zone.
Other factors such as resource availability, other emergency events etc., may also feed into a decision to
declare or revoke a fire season.
Forecast weather trends must be taken into consideration when declaring a change in fire season. An
upcoming rain event may defer a change in season, or forecast dry weather and strong winds may indicate
a need to change season days before the trigger threshold would otherwise be reached.
Prohibiting fires in the open air (section 52)
There are times when Fire and Emergency may need to prohibit fires in the open air, outside of the usual
fire season changes. This control is used in extreme circumstances, for example when:
large or multiple incidents occur that put firefighting resources under strain, e.g. Port Hills fire
extreme fire weather conditions occur during a restricted fire season, e.g., strong dry winds, high
temperatures associated with very low humidity
emergency events occur, e.g. the rupture of the Marsden Point fuel pipeline, increasing the fire hazard
in a specific area.
We can only prohibit fires in the open air when fire risk conditions exist or are likely to exist in the area, and
the prohibition or restriction is necessary or desirable for fire control.
Fire and Emergency may also prohibit fires in the open air while the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19)
Notice 2020 is in force, without needing to consider fire risk conditions or other factors. This might happen
if our response capabilities are affected by COVID, and we aren’t able to respond effectively if there is an
unwanted fire.
Trigger thresholds for prohibiting fires in the open air under section 52
Trigger thresholds for applying section 52 are included in the information for each zone.
Restricting and prohibiting activities (section 52)
There are times when fire risk conditions are such that certain activities may cause a fire to start or spread.
Examples of these activities include but are not limited to:
roadside mowing
cutting or welding operations that involve the use of portable gas, disc grinder or arc welding
equipment that produces sparks, flames or heat, generally known as ‘hot works’
chainsaw thinning to waste
mowing, ploughing or harrowing fields
use of fireworks.
27 April 2021 10Wellington Fire Plan
Section 52 of the Act allows us to prohibit or restrict one or more activities in an area or areas, when our
assessment is that:
the activity, (including access to an area) may cause a fire to start or spread and adequate controls are
not available,
fire risk conditions exist or are likely to exist in the area,
the prohibition or restriction is necessary or desirable for fire control purposes,
there’s an inability to adequately mitigate the assessed risk.
Prohibition or restriction means:
When an activity is… It means the activity…
Prohibited must not be undertaken at all by any person while the prohibition is in effect (except
if it is an excluded activity that relates to the carrying out of essential services in the
area).
Restricted can be undertaken subject to certain conditions, such as restrictions on:
the times of the day
the manner in which it is undertaken.
If we have restricted or prohibited access to a location under Section 52, we can’t prevent someone who
lives or works in the location from entering, nor prevent someone from carrying out essential services
there.
Trigger thresholds for restricting or prohibiting activities under section 52
Guidelines for setting trigger thresholds for applying section 52 have not yet been developed, however
thresholds for restricting access to exotic forest and restricting operational forestry operations are included
in the zone information in the appendices.
Activities and risk mitigation
The following activities are known to have caused fires in this area under increased fire risk conditions.
Guidance information for mitigating the risk from these activities is included where available.
Further information about mitigating the risk of activities and other fire safety tips can be found on
checkitsalright.nz.
Forestry operations
Wairarapa has some triggers for restricting access and operations to forestry areas listed in its zone
information.
Forest Fire Risk Management Guidelines contain advice on mitigating the risks.
Activities in rural areas
A guide on how to manage the risks https://checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/fire-for-land-management
And at: https://www.nzfoa.org.nz/resources/file-libraries-resources/fire/831-rural-fire-guidelines-
managing-the-risks/file
27 April 2021 11Wellington Fire Plan
Roadside mowing
We will consult with local roading authority (and their contractors) about what mitigations they will apply
during times of increased fire risk. Including trigger points and risk analysis to determine appropriate
mitigation actions, plus appropriate means of communication/notification of the risk status.
www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/mowers-chainsaws
Mowing, ploughing or harrowing fields
We will consult with local landowners on what mitigations they will apply during times of increased fire
risk. Including trigger points and risk analysis to determine appropriate mitigation actions, plus appropriate
means of communication/notification of the risk status.
www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/mowers-chainsaws
https://nzfoa.org.nz/resources/file-libraries-resources/standards-and-guidelines/670-forest-fire-risk-
management-guidelines/file
Hot works
We will consult with local industry on what mitigations they will apply during times of increased fire risk.
Include trigger points and risk analysis to determine appropriate mitigation actions (i.e. wetting area,
remaining on site after work done, suppression equipment on site), plus appropriate means of
communication/notification of the risk status.
Powerline auto-reclosures
We will consult with local lines companies about what mitigations they will apply during times of increased
fire risk. Applying trigger points and risk analysis to determine automatic actions such as turning off auto-
reset.
Communicating changes in fire seasons and restrictions or prohibitions
It’s important that people planning to light fires in the open air know whether they can do so safely and
legally, so they need to know what the current fire season is in the area, whether any other prohibition
applies, and whether a permit is required.
Fire season changes, and restrictions and prohibitions under section 52 of the Act, are publicly notified to
our communities, stakeholders and partners in a number of ways.
Modes of communication include, but are not limited to:
Direct contact with our partners and stakeholders, including email
Social media
Email and text directly to permit holders
Check It’s Alright website https://www.checkitsalright.nz or 0800 336 942
Fire Sign management – these are changed to reflect season status
27 April 2021 12Wellington Fire Plan
Fire permits
The information included with a fire permit helps people understand how to light a fire safely, and to
reduce the risk of their fire burning out of control. Fire permits carry conditions which vary based on the
current local fire risk conditions.
Fire risk conditions vary by time and other factors such as fuel and topography, so the acceptable
conditions for burning are set for each fire permit.
Fire permits may also be suspended or cancelled in certain circumstances, such as: where fire risk
conditions change, for fire control purposes, or as fire seasons change/prohibitions are imposed.
Council bylaws, regional plans, legal covenants or restrictions
No matter the current fire season, council bylaws and regional plan rules relating to smoke and air pollution
must also be followed, even if Fire and Emergency has issued a fire permit.
There may also be legal covenants or restrictions which restrict the ability to light a fire in some areas,
regardless of the fire season. For example, if there are power pylons or other infrastructure nearby.
Therefore, even if you don’t need a permit, you may not be able to light fires in some places.
You will also need landowner or occupier approval before lighting a fire, even if Fire and Emergency has
issued a fire permit.
When a permit is needed
The need for a fire permit is based on:
type of fire
the fire season or restrictions or prohibitions on fires in the open air.
Fire types
Some fire types may be allowed in restricted and prohibited fire seasons by making them:
• Authorised (no permit required)
• Permit required
For more information on fire types, see Open air fires – rules and permits on the Fire and Emergency
website www.fireandemergency.nz.
Authorised fire types in a restricted fire season
Authorised fire types in a restricted fire season, i.e. those fire types not requiring a fire permit because they
are not ‘fires in open air’, include:
gas-operated appliances
charcoal barbeques or grills
wood-fire pizza oven
chiminea
cultural fires
braziers
fire pits/bowls
open drum and manufactured incinerators.
Note: These authorised fire types are only permitted provided all conditions are met as identified in
checkitsalright.co.nz
27 April 2021 13Wellington Fire Plan
Authorised fire types on public conservation land in a restricted fire season
Department of Conservation says that fires may be lit only in designated permanent Department of
Conservation fireplaces at overnight campsites or amenity areas, and only when there is no prohibition in
place.
You can light campfires for cooking and warmth in the backcountry (areas that are over an hour's walk from
the nearest road end) only if:
• there is no fire ban in place, and
• there are no notices prohibiting fires there, and
• the fire is at least 3 metres away from trees and anything that could catch fire, and
• the fire is smaller than 0.5 m in width and in height.
For information about fires that can be lit on public conservation land, visit https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-
work/fire/
Authorised fire types in a prohibited fire season
Authorised fire types in a prohibited fire season, i.e. those fire types not requiring a fire permit because
they are not ‘fires in open air’, include:
gas-operated appliances
charcoal barbeques or grills
wood-fire pizza oven
chiminea
cultural fires.
Note: these authorised fire types are only permitted provided all conditions are met as identified in
checkitsalright.co.nz
Authorised fire types on public conservation land in a prohibited fire season
Department of Conservation says that the only authorised fire type on public conservation land (PCL) in a
prohibited fire season, i.e. a fire type not requiring a fire permit because it is not a ‘fire in open air’, is gas-
operated appliances.
Permits in prohibited fire seasons or during prohibitions under Section 52
Fire and Emergency may grant permits during a prohibited fire season, or when there is a prohibition under
section 52 of the Act, when the fire or activity is necessary to prevent, reduce, or overcome any hazard to
life or because of any other serious emergency.
We may grant fire permits during a prohibited fire season if weather or other conditions have temporarily
reduced the fire hazard, so as to make it apparently safe to light a fire.
Permits issued in a prohibited fire season (e.g. for biosecurity reasons) remain active when the fire season
changes.
Fire breaks
Fire and Emergency has the authority under Section 62 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 to
require landholders to make or clear firebreaks on the landholder’s land, or keep them clear, if we think it’s
needed for fire control.
We will work with affected landholders on a case-by-case basis, and try to reach a voluntary solution before
we would use our powers to require firebreaks. Further guidance has not yet been developed, so each
situation would be dealt with individually.
27 April 2021 14Wellington Fire Plan Fire hazard removal If Fire and Emergency reasonably consider that vegetation, or some other thing, is a fire hazard, meaning that it likely to endanger people or property by increasing the risk of outbreak or spread of fire, we can require that vegetation or thing to be removed or destroyed. We will work with you to fix the issue first, but Fire and Emergency has the authority under section 65 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 to legally require you to do it. You then have 1 month to fix the problem, although you can appeal against the requirement. Any appeal must be made within 14 days and will be handled through Fire and Emergency’s dispute resolution scheme. Our fire hazard removal powers apply to land, but not to anything on or inside a building. Local councils have the authority to address fire risk related to buildings, such as hoarding. If it’s urgent (an imminent threat) we can tell you, and fix the problem ourselves immediately in order to keep people and property safe. Reporting fire hazards Anyone who becomes aware of a fire hazard or is worried about the potential of something being a fire hazard can report it to Fire and Emergency – see Submit a Fire Hazard Assessment Request at www.fireandemergency.nz/at-home/fire-hazards-in-your-community/ for the Potential Fire Hazard Advice form. Assessment of fire hazards Fire and Emergency will assess whether there is a potential for the fuel to cause harm or damage to people or property if a fire starts. We will assess the likelihood of a fire starting and the consequences in terms of risk to human life, structures and other values. We will not enter a property (apart from going to the front door) without permission from the occupier. If permission is not granted or an occupier cannot be located, we will assess the potential fire hazard from outside of the property or speak with the occupier of the neighbouring property to request access to better view the potential fire hazard. If we need to, a Fire and Emergency inspector can enter and inspect land that is not a home or marae (or a building associated with a marae) in order to determine whether certain materials (including timber, dry plant cuttings and ‘other flammable material’) are being stored outside a building in a way the creates a fire hazard to the building, another building, or to any road or other public place (see regulation 13(4) of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018). A Fire and Emergency inspector must obtain a warrant to enter and inspect land that is a home or marae (or a building associated with a marae). We can take photographs of private land (or things on private land) from public land, so long as we don’t take pictures of an area or thing that a person can reasonably expect to be private (e.g. a photo that includes a view into a shower or a secluded area where someone is sunbathing). Outcomes from the assessment The assessment will recommend one of the following courses of action: 1. No further action, because the vegetation or other thing does not present a fire hazard. The matter may be referred to another agency such as the local council if appropriate, e.g. hoarding or vermin infestation. 2. Providing education and information to the occupier or owner of the land, and/or to the complainant, on how to mitigate any risks from fire, where the notice threshold has not been reached but the assessment indicates that proactive action would be helpful. 27 April 2021 15
Wellington Fire Plan
3. Providing the occupier or owner with the opportunity to voluntarily mitigate the risk within an
appropriate time period, as the threshold for issuing a Fire hazard removal notice (s 65) has been met.
If they won’t do this voluntarily, we will issue a Fire hazard removal notice (s 65) to the occupier or
owner of the land. The notice gives them one month to remove or destroy the vegetation or other
thing increasing the risk of the outbreak or spread of fire.
4. Providing verbal notice to the owner or occupier of the land that we are taking immediate action to
remove or destroy any vegetation or other thing on the land, that is a source of imminent danger,
under s 68. This power would only be used where there is an ‘almost certain’ likelihood of a fire starting
or spreading at any moment, which would put life or property at risk. Note: This power will be used
very rarely.
Fire hazard removal notice (section 65)
Fire hazard removal notice (s 65) is formal written notification under s 65 of the Act to an occupier or
owner of land that they must remove or destroy the ‘vegetation or other thing’ that has been assessed as
meeting the threshold for issuing a notice.
The notice:
describes the vegetation or other thing that must be removed or destroyed, including a map if
practicable identifying the specific location or extent of the vegetation or other thing
explains the risk that Fire and Emergency reasonably considers that the vegetation or other thing
presents
specifies the actions that must be taken to mitigate the fire hazard risk, e.g. how much vegetation must
be removed or destroyed.
We will always give the occupier or owner the opportunity to fix the issue voluntarily, before we go with
issuing a notice.
The occupier of the land where the fire hazard is located is primarily responsible for its removal or
destruction. If the land is unoccupied, then the responsibility passes to the owner of the land.
Occupier, in relation to any place or land, means any person in lawful occupation of that place or land; and
includes any employee or other person acting under the authority of any person in lawful occupation of
that place or land.
Imminent danger notice (section 68)
An Imminent danger notice is verbal notification under s 68 of the Act to an occupier or owner of land that
Fire and Emergency is going to enter the land and remove or destroy any vegetation or other thing on land
that we consider is a source of imminent danger from fire to life, property, or any road.
Anyone receiving the verbal notice should be able to understand:
that Fire and Emergency has decided that [description of fire hazard] is a source of imminent danger to
[life, property, and/or road]
why the fire hazard is a source of imminent danger
that Fire and Emergency has arranged for the [removal or destruction] of the fire hazard under s 68 of
the Act by [name of contractor] on [date]
any arrangements for the storage of items removed from the land, and the terms under which the
owner/occupier can retrieve those items.
In the event of an actual fire, our powers to deal with an emergency take effect.
27 April 2021 16Wellington Fire Plan Compliance and enforcement Fire and Emergency’s role The Act gives Fire and Emergency compliance and enforcement responsibilities, and powers to support interventions in cases of non-compliance. In line with this, we have developed a comprehensive Risk Reduction Strategy, supported by a Compliance and enforcement policy. Compliance activities generally focus on education and awareness, followed by issuing warnings. If compliance is still an issue, then more formal enforcement powers may be used. Where there are cases of serious or repeated non-compliance, Fire and Emergency may use infringement notices or prosecute. For more information on Fire and Emergency’s compliance and enforcement policies and procedures and other relevant topics, visit www.fireandemergency.nz/about-us/compliance-and- enforcement/ Contact us Gavin Dunphy David Key Area Manager Hutt- Wairarapa Area Manager Wellington Gavin.dunphy@fireandemergency.nz Dave.Key@fireandemergency.nz 0272 322294 04 496 3607 Phill Wishnowsky Craig Cottrill Principal Rural Fire Officer Principal Rural Fire Officer Phill.wishnowsky@fireandemergency.nz Craig.cottrill@fireandemergency.nz 0272 899609 0274 339294 27 April 2021 17
Wellington Fire Plan
Appendix 1 – Schedule of stakeholders
This schedule of stakeholder includes those who should be involved in the creation of these fire plan and their amendments or consulted before making use of the
powers of section 52 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, or notified when this happens. Zone-level stakeholders are listed with each zone’s
description and triggers in Appendix 2.
National-level stakeholders
Stakeholder Fire plan development Fire plan amendment Changing fire season to Section 52 fire Section 52
prohibited prohibitions restrictions/prohibitions
on activities
Department of Conservation Consult during decision
making.
Consult while creating Consult while Weekly status updates Consult during decision
Notify of decision
plan amending plan during prohibited making.
seasons
Notify of decision
New Zealand Defence Force Consult during decision
making.
Consult while creating Consult while Weekly status updates Consult during decision
Notify of decision
plan amending plan during prohibited making.
seasons
Notify of decision
Environmental Protection Authority
Federated Farmers of New Zealand Consult during decision
making.
Consult while creating Consult while Weekly status updates Consult during decision
Notify of decision
plan amending plan during prohibited making.
seasons
Notify of decision
Land Information NZ
27 April 2021 18Wellington Fire Plan
Stakeholder Fire plan development Fire plan amendment Changing fire season to Section 52 fire Section 52
prohibited prohibitions restrictions/prohibitions
on activities
Taituarā - Local Government Professionals
Aotearoa (SOLGM)
Local Government NZ
Forest Owners Association Consult during decision
making.
Consult while creating Consult while Weekly status updates Consult during decision
Notify of decision
plan amending plan during prohibited making.
seasons
Notify of decision
New Zealand Farm Forestry Association Consult during decision
making.
Consult while creating Consult while Weekly status updates Consult during decision
Notify of decision
plan amending plan during prohibited making.
seasons
Notify of decision
Te Uru Rākau Consult during decision
making.
Consult while creating Consult while Weekly status updates Consult during decision
Notify of decision
plan amending plan during prohibited making.
seasons
Notify of decision
Crown Forestry
NZ Manuka Group
Ministry for Primary Industries
Te Puni Kōkiri
Ngā Whenua Rāhui
Apiculture New Zealand
27 April 2021 19Wellington Fire Plan
Stakeholder Fire plan development Fire plan amendment Changing fire season to Section 52 fire Section 52
prohibited prohibitions restrictions/prohibitions
on activities
Fish and Game
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Dairy New Zealand
Ministry of Education
New Zealand Police
This list can be added to during public
consultation.
27 April 2021 20Wellington Fire Plan
Appendix 2 - Zone information
Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti, Hutt Valley Zone
Geography Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of
the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range, with Kāpiti Coast to
the north. On the east. the Remutaka Range divides Wellington from the broad
plains of the Wairarapa.
Wellington is the major population centre of the southern North Island and is the
administrative centre of the Wellington fire plan area.
The Wellington zones are characterised by steep hills covered in vegetation,
interspersed with narrow streets with tightly packed wooden homes.
Wellington is more densely populated than most other cities in New Zealand due to
the restricted amount of land that is available between its harbour and the
surrounding hills. It has very few open areas in which to expand, and this has
brought about the development of the suburban towns.
The Wellington province contains a significant area of public conservation land with
500 square kilometres of regional parks and forests.
Wellington Harbour has three islands: Matiu/Somes Island, Mākaro/Ward Island and
Mokopuna Island. Only Matiu/Somes Island is large enough for habitation.
Demographics At Fire and Emergency New Zealand, we have an in-depth knowledge of the
demographics for each of the communities we serve. These demographics help us to
understand the type of support each of our communities might need and how we
communicate with them.
We use this knowledge in all aspects of our work, including our delivery of the 4Rs of
emergency management and for fire control measures, such as declaring the
beginning and end of fire seasons, prohibiting and restricting the use of fire, and
issuing fire permits.
Each city contains a large residential community with diverse demographics.
Wellington City has a disproportionate number of people in their 20's and 30's when
compared to the rest of the region. Residents living in the central city area are the
best educated and highest paid compared to the rest of the country.
The Porirua basin is undergoing rapid growth with large areas of new housing and
extensive subdivisions underway, including commercial subdivisions. In contrast to
this, there are large concentrations of state housing containing at risk groups.
When compared to the rest of the Region, there is a significant proportion of
children making up the population of Porirua city.
Kāpiti Coast District contains the largest proportion of 65+ year old in the Region
with a projected increase of 21% in this group over the next 15 years. The
demographic profile also shows an unusual situation in that it already has more
elderly than children (0-14).
Due to COVID-19, some recreational areas that were previously infrequently
populated have had a significant increase in use due to international travel being
unavailable.
27 April 2021 21Wellington Fire Plan
Deprivation
Index Census Census Census Estimated Growth % Growth Annualised
Territorial Local Authority Station Name Station Type
Census 2006 2013 2018 2020 2006 to 2020 2006 to 2020 % Growth
2018
Masterton District Masterton Composite 7 23,505 24,380 26,731 28,790 5,285 22.48% 1.61%
Carterton District Carterton Volunteer 5 6,194 7,132 7,964 8,610 2,416 39.01% 2.79%
South Wairarapa District Featherston Volunteer 7 3,496 3,514 3,824 4,094 598 17.11% 1.22%
Greytown Volunteer 3 2,776 3,101 3,425 3,717 941 33.90% 2.42%
Martinborough Volunteer 4 2,608 2,916 3,318 3,592 984 37.73% 2.70%
Total 4.8 8,880 9,531 10,567 11,403 2,523 28.41% 2.03%
Upper Hutt City Remutaka Composite 6 17,587 18,266 19,782 20,927 3,340 18.99% 1.36%
Silverstream Volunteer 2 5,910 6,009 6,459 6,715 805 13.62% 0.97%
Trentham Composite 6 15,178 16,187 18,062 19,746 4,568 30.10% 2.15%
Total 5.4 38,675 40,462 44,303 47,388 8,713 22.53% 1.61%
Lower Hutt City Avalon Career 8 31,627 31,258 33,228 35,722 4,095 12.95% 0.92%
Eastbourne Volunteer 2 3,475 3,486 3,499 3,605 130 3.74% 0.27%
Hutt City Career 4 24,107 24,825 26,687 28,371 4,264 17.69% 1.26%
Seaview Composite 7 11,956 11,783 12,590 13,728 1,772 14.82% 1.06%
Stokes Valley Volunteer 7 9,197 9,511 9,840 10,392 1,195 12.99% 0.93%
Wainuiomata Volunteer 8 17,205 17,281 18,539 19,827 2,622 15.24% 1.09%
Total 6.6 97,567 98,144 104,383 111,645 9,853 10.10% 0.72%
Kapiti Coast District Otaki Volunteer 7 8,513 9,142 10,231 11,299 2,786 32.73% 2.34%
Paekakariki Volunteer 4 1,748 1,834 1,893 1,993 245 14.02% 1.00%
Paraparaumu Composite 5 25,730 27,434 29,367 30,793 5,063 19.68% 1.41%
Waikanae Volunteer 4 11,052 11,673 13,324 14,288 3,236 29.28% 2.09%
Total 5.1 47,043 50,083 54,815 58,373 11,330 24.08% 1.72%
Porirua City Plimmerton Volunteer 2 6,211 6,712 6,994 7,263 1,052 16.94% 1.21%
Porirua Composite 8 34,554 36,855 40,933 44,539 9,985 28.90% 2.06%
Titahi Bay Volunteer 8 7,533 7,839 8,355 8,927 1,394 18.51% 1.32%
Total 7.3 48,298 51,406 56,282 60,729 12,431 25.74% 1.84%
Wellington City Brooklyn Career 5 14,469 14,837 15,680 16,542 2,073 14.33% 1.02%
Johnsonville Composite 3 39,194 42,414 46,007 49,187 9,993 25.50% 1.82%
Karori Career 3 25,782 27,147 28,458 29,715 3,933 15.25% 1.09%
Kilbirnie Composite 5 32,808 33,289 34,429 35,847 3,039 9.26% 0.66%
Newtown Career 7 22,809 23,859 25,464 26,998 4,189 18.37% 1.31%
Tawa Volunteer 5 13,804 14,211 14,852 15,577 1,773 12.84% 0.92%
Thorndon Career 3 12,110 13,197 14,169 15,098 2,988 24.67% 1.76%
Wellington City Career 6 18,486 21,945 23,634 27,131 8,645 46.77% 3.34%
Total 4.5 179,462 190,899 202,693 216,095 13,406 7.47% 0.53%
Wellington Combined District Total 5.5 449,624 472,037 507,738 543,033 93,409 20.77% 1.48%
Deprivation
Index Census Census Census Estimated Growth % Growth Annualised
Territorial Local Authority
Census 2006 2013 2018 2020 2006 to 2020 2006 to 2020 % Growth
2018
Masterton District 7.0 23,505 24,380 26,731 28,790 5,285 22.48% 1.61%
Carterton District 5.0 6,194 7,132 7,964 8,610 2,416 39.01% 2.79%
South Wairarapa District 4.8 29,699 31,512 34,695 37,400 7,701 25.93% 1.85%
Upper Hutt City 5.4 38,675 40,462 44,303 47,388 8,713 22.53% 1.61%
Lower Hutt City 6.6 97,567 98,144 104,383 111,645 9,853 10.10% 0.72%
Kapiti Coast District 5.1 47,043 50,083 54,815 58,373 11,330 24.08% 1.72%
Porirua City 5.1 47,043 50,083 54,815 58,373 11,330 24.08% 1.72%
Wellington City 4.5 179,462 190,899 202,693 216,095 13,406 7.47% 0.53%
Wellington District Total 5.5 449,624 472,037 507,738 543,033 93,409 20.77% 1.48%
Climate/weather Because of its location in the Roaring Forties and its exposure to the winds blowing
through Cook Strait, Wellington is the world's windiest city, with an average wind
speed of 27 km/h.
The climate and weather of the Wellington province is strongly influenced by the
presence of Cook Strait and the rugged local topography. In general, the climate of
the region is a reflection of the general disturbed westerly flow with interspersed
anticyclones, modified in specific places by the local topography. Wind conditions
are the strongest around the south western tip of the region. The region as a whole
is generally sunny and windy compared with other parts on New Zealand.
A marked reflection of the wind regime over the southwest part of the region is
shown by the permanent eastward lean of much of the larger vegetation on exposed
hillslopes and ridgetops.
The Wellington province varies stronger with elevation, Low lying areas around the
coast have a medium annual temperature of around 13.5°C where the air
temperatures are significantly cooler higher in the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges.
27 April 2021 22Wellington Fire Plan
Land cover/land The topography of the Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti, Hutt Valley zone consist of
use coastal, plains, rugged hill country and mountain ranges.
Wellington is more densely populated than most other cities in New Zealand due to
the restricted amount of land between its harbour and the surrounding hills.
The Wellington province has a mix of both dense and sparsely populated areas and
provincial towns (Kāpiti, Porirua, Hutt Valley) are seeing considerable growth.
It has very few open areas in which to expand, and this has brought about the
development of the suburban towns.
The geography complex in that it is divided into two distinct geographical areas by
the Remutaka Ranges and coastal settlements.
There are large areas of public conservation managed by Department of
Conservation.
Gorse and broom are predominant on the low-lying hills on the southern point of
the Wellington coast and the eastern hills in the Hutt Valley.
Public conservation land with high concentrations of exotic forest are prevalent with
limited access.
Coastal areas are low lying and the predominant use is farming with high producing
exotic grassland and areas for orchard or other perennial crops.
Appendix 3: (Wellington land cover) lists the land cover classification types.
Access within the Western hill country is restricted, with some areas being very
remote.
Industry Industry Contributes to Affected by use Needs to be
increased risk of fire control protected by
of fire in high measures using fire
risk conditions control
measures
Lifestyle farming ☒ ☒ ☒
Agriculture/Horticulture ☒ ☒ ☒
Recreational use / Tourism ☒ ☒ ☒
Vineyards ☒ ☒ ☒
Windfarms ☒ ☒ ☒
Lifeline Lifeline utility/ other infrastructure Contributes to Affected by use Needs to be
utilities/other increased risk of fire control protected by
of fire in high measures using fire
infrastructure
risk conditions control
measures
Rail network ☒ ☒ ☒
Electricity transmission lines ☒ ☒ ☒
State highway network ☒ ☒ ☒
Fuel distribution ☒ ☒ ☒
Port linking road, rail, domestic and ☒ ☒ ☒
international shipping services
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