Based on the council's estimates, 800 houses in Tokoroa would need to spend between $3000 and $6000 to make their heating appliances comply, which is a total cost of $4.8 million to its ratepayers.
Tokoroa lawyer Marin Glucina said the proposal was a nightmare and urged residents to make submissions on the proposal. He estimates it would cost up to $20 million. The bylaw would also give enforcement officers the right to enter a property to detect non-compliance and remove or alter the structure at the owner's cost. Residents who failed to comply could face a fine of up to $20,000.
"This is a poor town, how can the council just line up all the ratepayers and say you're going to dish out $10 million for what good purpose?"
Tokoroa resident Mark Nicholson could not understand how the council could make people replace perfectly good fireplaces like his 1990 Kent spectra wood-burner. "It's just a real waste of money."
Neighbours he had spoken to were also upset at the proposal and the powers council staff could be given to enforce it.
South Waikato District Council chief executive David Hall said there was more focus on Tokoroa because it constantly exceeded the level of particles from wood-burners released within a 24-hour period.
Last year, Tokoroa breached the levels 15 times and under the legislation this could not be exceeded more than three times by 2016 and once in 2020.
Mr Hall said he hoped fines wouldn't be needed and that the council would show some lenience at the beginning. It also had schemes in place for lower income households.
The proposal
Feb 1, 2013 Open fire and multi-fuel fire installation in Putaruru and Tokoroa prohibited
Apr 1, 2013 Outdoor fires ban in winter in Tokoroa. Permits required for hangi or umu
Nov 1, 2013 Open and multi-fuel fires banned in Putaruru-Tokoroa, decommissioned Dec 1, 2013
Nov 1, 2013 Old solid fuel fires banned in Tokoroa, decommissioned by Dec 1, 2013
Nov 1, 2015 Old solid fuel fires banned in Tokoroa and decommissioned by Dec 1, 2015
