Proposal cops criticism

Concern that bylaw goes too far

During the two-day hearings of the proposed Clean Air Bylaw, one submitter likened it to using a sledge hammer to crack a walnut.

Tokoroa resident Kelson Diffey told the council that the bylaw was heavy-handed.

‘‘It is my opinion that even if clean air wood burners were installed and I’ve already been hearing throughout the town that we would still have the problem as there are many people who do not use them correctly,’’ he said.

Mr Diffey, a sufferer of emphysema struggled through his verbal submission saying the issue is wet wood being burnt.

‘‘This could be resolved by door-to-door visits to identify bad wood burners and people with wet wood,’’ he said.

He first became aware of the issue in October last year.

‘‘I live on Wairoa Place and there appears to be at least 27 wood burners that would need to be replaced under this proposed bylaw and that’s one little street in this town.

‘‘There are many families, beneficiaries, senior citizens, who could not afford to borrow money to have new heaters installed. One person I spoke to said they would walk away from their home.’’

Mr Diffey questioned Council saying their efforts were ‘‘draconian’’.

‘‘Does Council really want this in our district? I can see this as nothing but a draconian piece of law making.

‘‘ Council have offered to loan money to people for the purpose of purchasing new heating systems over 10 years. Borrowing through Council would (add) another $50 to $100 per quarter to the already high rates we get charged,’’ he said.