Fire crews and helicopters fight fire in hills above Cass and Corsair bays in Lyttelton Harbour in January 2021. Canterbury has returned to an open fire season, meaning permits are no longer needed to light outdoor fires in most cases. The change came into effect from 8am on Thursday and covered North and Mid-South Canterbury, Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) region manager Paul Henderson said an open fire season meant permits were not needed to light outdoor fires in most cases. In December, Fenz banned fireworks in Akaroa, coastal Christchurch and the Port Hills after firefighters dealt with several suspicious fires.

Source: Stuff May 19, 2021 22:18 UTC