Buying tips

If you’re calling around to check firewood prices there are some questions you should ask:

• Does the supplier have a certificate of approval for their measure? Traders that sell firewood by the cubic metre must use a measure – a truck, trailer or bin – that has been approved and verified as accurate by the Measurement and Product Safety Service division of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs (see Standard measurements).
• Does the quote include GST?
• What are the delivery costs?
• What is the condition of the wood? If you’re buying it to burn straight away, green wet firewood will not be “fit for purpose” under the Consumer Guarantees Act.