We have another dictatorial rule from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. I applied for a fire permit last week and was told in future applications for a fire permit I would need to do it on a computer.

I am not buying a computer in order to get a fire permit. I don't have a cell phone and I don't have a computer. My landline works well and the RD mail works well.

V Brazier, Tauriko.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council replies:

Fire permits are processed by Fire Emergency New Zealand via the Pumicelands website.

Their preferred option is for customers to apply online. When approved, customers have the option of receiving the approved permit by email, in the post, or they can collect it from one of Council's service centres.

While Council is still involved in the processing of fire permits, in the future all customers may be required to deal directly with Pumicelands when applying for a fire permit.

Until this time Council staff will continue to provide the service of applying for a fire permit for customers who don't have access to technology and wish to apply for a permit in person.