Quick answer: Before you buy a new wood burner in New Zealand, consider where it’s made and whether it meets the Building Act 2004’s installation requirements. You should also check the applicable emission standards to make sure your burner meets the air-quality rules in your area. The Fireplace Technician can help you choose the right wood burner in New Zealand and install it for you.
Thinking about installing a new wood burner? Before comparing models, take some time to understand the requirements that apply to wood burners in New Zealand.
The Ministry encourages households to consider cleaner heating options that produce fewer pollutants, including heat pumps and pellet burners. If you decide a wood burner suits your home, you’ll also need to follow installation requirements under the Building Act 2004.
Consider where the burner is made
If you’re buying a wood burner, it’s worth looking at models made here in New Zealand. Local manufacturers design their burners around New Zealand homes, weather conditions, and the types of firewood you’re likely to use here. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing your burner is tested with the country’s conditions in mind.
It can also make it easier to find spare parts locally if you need to replace components such as glass or fire bricks in the future.
Not sure which models meet the requirements? You can check the government’s list of approved wood burners before you buy.
Understand the emission limits
Checking the emission requirements can help you narrow down which wood burners in New Zealand are suitable for your area. This is especially important if you live in an area with stricter air-quality rules.
| Standard | Level of emissions | Applies to |
| Ultra-Low Emission Burner (ULEB) | Under 0.4 g/kg PM10, with combustion efficiency meeting the CM1 standard | Canterbury’s Clean Air Zone, as well as in Wellington and Auckland. |
| Low Emission Burner (LEB) | Under 1.0 g/kg PM10 | All regions |
| Clean Air standard | Under 1.5 g/kg | All over New Zealand since 2005, under the National Environmental Standards |
These standards use AS/NZS 4012 and 4013 test conditions. So, be sure to check the requirements that apply in your area before purchasing a particular model.
Think about who will install the burner
Proper installation also affects how safely and efficiently your wood burner performs. So, make sure you work with a professional who can help with the correct fireplace consents and relevant paperwork for your local authority.
Need help choosing a wood burner?
Not sure which wood burner will work best in your home? Give us a call here at The Fireplace Technician on 0800 024 324 and we’ll come out to take a look. If you prefer to send a message, email us at firetech222@gmail.com.
During our visit, you can tell us about how you want to heat your home so we can recommend wood burners in New Zealand that make sense for your space and heating needs.