Several Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers are upsetting neighbours by burning tyres and diesel in a desperate bid to protect crops from frost.
Environment Bay of Plenty took four complaints about thick black smoke coming from kiwifruit orchards last Tuesday when growers were frantically trying to prevent frostdamage.
Regional council spokesman Andy Bruere said staff felt sympathy for growers who had suffered three harsh spring frosts in four weeks.
If frost hit a crop when the buds had burst, the grower was likely to lose a lot of kiwifruit and income.
But burning tyres released toxic contaminants, Mr Bruere said.
No action had been taken because the complaints were made the next day, when no evidence remained, or the location was not exact.
Mr Bruere understood growers burned tyres when warmer air was too high for helicopters to effectively push it down on to vines.
The maximum nuisance-fire fine was only $300, and burning tyres was cheaper than paying $3000 in helicopter hire or up to $100,000 for frost fans or an overhead sprinkler system.
Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated executive officer Michelle de Jong said if orchardists had burned tyres, it would be out of sheer desperation.
"It's their livelihood sitting on the vine and it means no income next year [if the crop is damaged]."
