The Canterbury Regional Council is relaxing its looming ban on older log burners in Timaru and is offering waivers to people who can't afford new low emission burners.
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The council approved a plan last month banning log burners older than 15 years from the end of October, in an effort to tackle air pollution.
There has been strong push back from some Timaru residents, who say banning older burners won't make a difference.
The council's air quality director, Katherine Trought, said it would give temporary waivers for people unable to make the October 31st deadline.
She said people who couldn't afford to replace their burners could meet the council to discuss their situation.
"These people will have to put an ultra low emission burner in over time or to choose a heat pump or a pellet fire, but we're just giving them a little bit more time to get organised. But I must emphasize, this is a very small proportion of the community who are facing real financial, health or age difficulties."
