Win a warmer winter with Environment Southland
Environment Southland has launched its 2026 Free Firewood Giveaway to help Southlanders stay warm this winter while encouraging cleaner home heating.
Environment Southland Compliance Manager Donna Ferguson said they were asking people to nominate deserving friends or whānau/family members who live in the Gore and Invercargill airsheds to win one of three loads of dry firewood.
The annual giveaway helps raise awareness of winter air quality issues in Gore and Invercargill, where local weather conditions and geography can cause smoke from home heating to linger.
“It’s a good time of year to remember that small actions at home can make a real difference. Choosing dry wood helps reduce smoke, improves air quality and keeps homes warmer through winter.”
“We’re proud to partner again with our Good Wood suppliers, Waikiwi Wood and Coal and Wholesale Wood Supplies, to help Southlanders stay warm this winter with dry firewood, so our communities and region stay healthy and enjoyable places to live.”
Poor air quality can affect health, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular problems in our communities.
Burning dry wood is one of the simplest ways people can reduce smoke and improve the air we all breathe. It also means you get more heat from your firewood, which is better for households and better for air quality.
“There’s a lot of wood around following October’s windstorm. Depending on how it’s been stored, it may not be dry enough for burning – grab a moisture meter and check the moisture content is less than 25% before you light it.”
Environment Southland monitors air quality in Southland and reports the results for Gore and Invercargill each week during the winter months, with live data on the website. Keep up with how our air quality is faring, with live PM10 readings for the Invercargill and Gore airsheds at www.es.govt.nz/air
Nominations are open until Sunday 21 June. People are invited to nominate someone special in their lives who is deserving of some free firewood at www.haveyoursay.es.govt.nz/firewood2026.
Winners must live within the Invercargill or Gore airsheds. Visit the website for more on the competition T+Cs.
