Key Takeaways
- Unregistered firewood sellers on Facebook’s Marketplace are undercutting reputable companies and putting consumers at risk
- These sellers often lack safety standards, sell poor-quality products, and do not pay tax, contributing to air pollution and respiratory illness
- A registration scheme, the Good Wood Merchant Scheme, was previously introduced to prevent "firewood cowboys" from profiting, but it has since been closed
- The scheme’s closure has led to an increase in non-compliant sellers, and there are calls for it to be reinstated to restore fair trading and protect public health
- The issue is not only limited to Hawke’s Bay, but is a nationwide problem that requires urgent action
The Issue of Unregistered Firewood Sellers
A Hawke’s Bay wood merchant, John Caulton, is speaking out against the surge of unregistered firewood sellers on Facebook’s Marketplace. These sellers are undercutting reputable companies and putting consumers at risk by selling poor-quality products that can harm people’s health. Caulton claims that these sellers do not pay tax, lack safety standards, and contribute to air pollution and respiratory illness through poorly seasoned firewood. He has made a formal written complaint to Inland Revenue, expressing his concerns about the issue and urging them to take action.
The Good Wood Merchant Scheme
In 2010, a working group was formed to address the issue of unregistered firewood sellers. This led to the introduction of the Good Wood Merchant Scheme, which allowed people to find compliant operators who met wood quality standards and supplied dry seasoned wood. The scheme was a cornerstone initiative of the Heatsmart Programme, which ran from 2010 to 2018. Suppliers could register at no cost as approved providers, committed to selling wood with a moisture content below 25 percent. Free testing was available, and if the wood didn’t meet the standard, a replacement or refund was arranged at the supplier’s expense. The scheme was successful, with a 72 percent improvement in air quality and 18,500 households supported to create warmer, drier, healthier homes.
The Closure of the Good Wood Merchant Scheme
The Good Wood Merchant Scheme was closed in 2024, having largely achieved its purpose. However, Caulton believes that the scheme’s closure has led to an increase in non-compliant sellers. He claims that these sellers are flourishing without the programme and that urgent action is needed to restore fair trading and protect public health. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) spokesperson said that the council would need to collect data over a longer period before it could say what impact, if any, ending the Good Wood Merchant scheme had had on air pollution in Napier and Hastings. However, Caulton believes that the scheme’s closure has had a significant impact and that it should be reinstated.
The Need for Urgent Action
Caulton is urging the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to treat the issue as a priority and to take action against unregistered firewood sellers. He believes that the principle of a fair go is being undermined and that something needs to be done to stop the "fly-by-nighters" who are selling wet and green firewood. This type of firewood can result in respiratory illnesses when it’s burnt, and Caulton believes that it’s essential to protect consumers from these risks. The IRD spokesperson said that they couldn’t comment on specific taxpayer matters due to confidentiality obligations, but Caulton hopes that they will take his complaint seriously and take action to address the issue.
Advice for Consumers
If you’re looking to buy firewood, Caulton’s advice is to do your homework first. He recommends searching online for legitimate businesses that have a website and a good reputation. This can help you avoid buying from unregistered sellers who may be selling poor-quality products. By taking the time to research and find a reputable seller, you can help protect yourself and your family from the risks associated with poorly seasoned firewood. Additionally, you can help support local businesses and contribute to a fairer trading environment.
Conclusion
The issue of unregistered firewood sellers is a significant problem that requires urgent attention. The closure of the Good Wood Merchant Scheme has led to an increase in non-compliant sellers, and it’s essential to reinstate the scheme or introduce a similar programme to restore fair trading and protect public health. Consumers can play a role in addressing the issue by doing their homework and finding reputable sellers. However, it’s ultimately up to the authorities to take action and address the problem. By working together, we can create a fairer and healthier environment for everyone.
