Summary Offences Act 1981

Offences resembling nuisance

36: Lighting fires

You could also call this:

"Don't set fires near buildings or plants without a good reason"

Illustration for Summary Offences Act 1981

You can get a fine of up to $200 if you set fire to something near a building or plants without a good reason. This can happen if you are not the owner or person in charge of the building or plants. You must not set fires that could damage these things.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM53706.

This page was last updated on 11 December 2025 — View changes

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Environment and resources > ConservationHousing and property > Home safety and repairsHousing and property > Land use

35: Setting off or throwing fireworks, or

"Setting off fireworks in public can be dangerous and costly"

37: Disturbing meetings, or

"Don't disrupt meetings in public - you could get a fine."

36Lighting fires

Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $200 who, without reasonable excuse, sets fire to any material or substance near any structure or vegetation (of which he is neither the owner nor occupier) in such a manner as to be likely to cause damage to the structure or vegetation.

Compare

1927 No 35 s 3(e)
1967 No 154 s 2(1)

Notes

Section 36: amended, on 1 January 1998, by section 7 of the Summary Offences Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 97).