Total fire ban for Auckland region

A complete fire ban has been slapped on the entire Auckland region.

It includes Great Barrier, Kawau, Waiheke and other Hauraki Gulf Islands.

It means all fires in the open - including rubbish fires, bonfires, backyard braziers, fireworks and cooking fires are banned.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Bryan Cartelle says the ban is necessary due to the heightened fire danger and predicted weather conditions.

The forecast is for a hot, dry long weekend with increased winds.