Restrictions on outdoor fires eased in Tāmaki Makaurau

3 April 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand will ease the restrictions on outdoor fires in Auckland City, Waitematā and Counties Manukau from 8am on Monday 7 April, until further notice.

All three districts will move from a prohibited fire season to a restricted fire season, which means open air fires will be allowed if people have a permit from Fire and Emergency. They can apply for this at checkitsalright.nz.

The exception is the Hauraki Gulf Islands, which remain in a prohibited fire season.

Counties Manukau District Manager Geoff Purcell says rainfall and lower overnight temperatures have lowered the fire danger across the region, but there is still some fire risk.

“We’re moving to restrictions on fires instead of an open season as there’s still a lot of underlying dryness from the summer weather,” he says.

“Most of Tāmaki Makaurau is still in drought-like conditions, so we’re being careful about where, when and how people light their outdoor fires.

“Before lighting a fire, always go to checkitsalright.nz to find out what’s allowed at your location, and apply for a fire permit if required.”