We live in Christchurch and recently bought a brazier so we could have small wood fires in our backyard.
We now find that these are banned by the council as part of the region’s Clean Air Zone, which we’re in. Just to light the brazier gets us a hefty fine.
Do you think we should be able to get our money back from the store that sold it to us? They said nothing about the ban when we bought it.
Does it matter that we have used it once?
If you bought the product in Christchurch and there were no warnings or advice from the retailer about the bylaw when you purchased it, I think you should be able to take it back and get a full refund.
After all, you have been sold a product you cannot use and the store should have known that.
The fact you have used the brazier shouldn’t make any difference – I’m assuming it wasn’t until after you used it that you found out about the bylaw.
It’s the responsibility of the retailers to ensure their products are fit for use in each area of New Zealand that they have stores.
I’d advise those considering a brazier to enquire with their local council before buying.
There are strict rules about their use.
For example, your region may permit them, but your backyard could be too small to comply with the “distance from neighbours” regulation.
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