A neighbour’s smoke and dust are affecting our health

Start with your regional council, which regulates discharges to air under the Resource Management Act 1991 and can investigate whether the business holds the necessary discharge consent and complies with its conditions. Report each incident promptly and record details such as the date, time, wind direction, odour and photos, as councils often need evidence of the impact at the time. The council can issue an abatement notice requiring the activity to stop or change, and can prosecute for serious breaches. Your district council may also assist with nuisance or noise. Because your child's health is affected, keep medical records and consider asking a doctor to note the link. A neighbour can also bring a private nuisance claim in court, but this is costly, so councils are usually the best first avenue.