While you do need council consent for a wood burner, consent is not required for a gas fire.
Instead of being consented by the local council, gas fires are certified by the gas fitters themselves. The gas fitters are trained for their role and they take full responsibility for the installation process. Because the process for installing a gas fire is prescribed by the Gas Code, the council sees no reason to become involved. While the gas fire installation, unlike a wood fire installation, doesn’t require council consent, the process is still very closely monitored. Once a gasfitter has installed your gas fire, they will issue you with a Code of Compliance certificate for the work.
You can find more about New Zealand gas fitters at the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website here.
In Australia, please check with your local government authority as regulations may differ depending which state you live in.
Learn more about gas fireplaces and council consents here.