As the Hollies said, believe it or not 50 years ago, “all I need is the air that I breathe and to love you”, signifying the obvious thing that air is the most essential thing we have.

In some parts of Central however, the air quality isn’t all that flash and I understand that this can be detrimental to health, especially for those with breathing issues.

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is tasked with monitoring and maintaining air quality in our district and are currently seeking community views on the subject. 

You can have your say via the ORC website.

I just did it myself and it would have taken five minutes; that’s not too much to ask given the importance of the questions.

One of the things that is being looked at is the gradual removal of all existing solid fuel burners, in other words eventually no-one will have a solid fuel burner in Central Otago. 

I have my own thoughts on that idea, as will you. 

I encourage you to let the ORC know what they are because, despite what some people think, elected members do take notice of the community voice.

There are also questions there about burn-offs, including on whether they should be allowed in winter. 

Again, I have my own thoughts on that idea, as will you and again, I encourage you to let the ORC know what they are.

Your chance to have your say ends on August 26th.