Media Release
26 March 2012

Dry Wood Scheme Good News For Residents And Merchants

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is calling for registrations from wood merchants throughout the region to join a new scheme aimed at ensuring local residents can source good quality dry firewood.

The concept is part of HBRC’s Heatsmart programme, which has been developed in response to the air quality rule changes brought in by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council three years ago, with the aim of meeting national air quality standards set by the government.

The new ‘Dry Wood Scheme’ requires wood merchants to voluntarily sign up by the end of April and commit to providing wood with less than 25% moisture content.

Programme Coordinator Mark Heaney says HBRC will regularly randomly test the wood and registered merchants to ensure they are meeting the standards to continue in the scheme.

“Dry wood is an efficient heat source and can reduce fuel costs for residents by up to 40% compared to using unseasoned green wood. This scheme aims to get you more for your firewood dollar,” says Mr Heaney.

“The other advantage of burning dry wood is that it keeps emissions from fires to a minimum.”

Mark Heaney says the scheme will help those looking for good quality dry firewood, from the best wood merchants in the region.

He says wood that is ‘green’ and unseasoned has a high moisture content and may not be ready to burn in time for this winter. HBRC is concerned there are no standards applied to the sale of firewood, which can result in people being sold wood that under the consumer guarantees act could be described as ‘not fit for purpose’.

“Hopefully less people will be caught out this year by false economy, buying on the basis of price not quality.”

Wood merchants interested in joining the scheme should contact Mark Heaney at HBRC.

ENDS

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