Fire and Emergency New Zealand wants people to safely use cultural cooking methods over the summer.
Fire and Emergency National Manager Kaupapa MÄori Piki Thomas says, "hÄngÄ«, umu and lovo bring whanau and friends together in the festive season.
"Most of the country has fire restrictions in place because conditions are expected to be hot, dry and windy over the summer months.
"You don’t need a permit for hÄngÄ« or umu in a restricted season, if you follow our safety tips for preparing underground ovens in the hot dry summer months.
"Make sure your hÄngÄ«, umu or lovo is at least three metres away from structures like any part of a building, hedge, shelter belt or any other combustible material.