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Tree safety and responsibilities

Trees and power lines don’t mix. Branches growing into our lines are one of the biggest causes of unplanned outages across the King Country, Ruapehu and Central Plateau — and a serious danger to anyone standing near them.If you own a tree growing near an overhead line, the law makes you responsible for keeping it clear. The three pages below cover everything you need: the safe distances the regulations set and the notices that go with them, how to stay safe around trees and lines, and plain answers to the questions we get asked most. In October 2024 the regulations changed — minimum safe distances increased, and some trees now have to be kept clear to the sky.

Tree regulations

What the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 require of you as a tree owner: the growth limit, cut-back and notice zones, the minimum distances for each line voltage, who pays for the work, the penalties for doing nothing, and how to dispute a notice.

Public safety - Trees

How to keep yourself and your whānau safe: what to do if a tree is touching a line or a line is down, why you must never trim near a live conductor yourself, how to report a hazard any hour of the day, and how to choose and place new trees so they never become a problem.

Frequently asked questions

Whose tree is it, legally?

The tree belongs to whoever owns the land it grows on, even if it leans over a road or a neighbour’s fence. That owner is the tree owner under the regulations, and the obligation to keep it clear of the lines sits with them.

Who is responsible for keeping trees clear of power lines?

You are, as the tree owner. The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 put that duty on the person who owns the land the tree grows on. Our part is to inspect the network, tell you when a tree of yours is getting too close, and keep our own vegetation clear.

Who pays for the trimming?

The first cut of any tree is at our cost, once. After that, keeping the tree outside the zones is at the tree owner’s cost – including every later trim and any removal. That is how the regulations allocate it nationally, not a local rule.

The tree was here before the power line. Does that change anything?

It affects who pays for the first cut, not who is responsible. Whichever came first, the tree must be kept clear of the conductors from now on, and that duty is the tree owners.

What about my neighbour's tree?

Tell us about it. We deal with the tree owner, not the person who reports it, and we won’t pass on your details. Don’t cut a neighbour’s tree yourself, even where the branches cross your boundary.

I'm a tenant. Is this my problem?

No. The obligation sits with the land owner, so pass any notice you receive to your landlord or property manager. If a tree is actually touching a line, don’t wait for them – call our faults team on 0800 367 328.

What is the “first cut”?

Trees inside the growth limit zone or notice zone must be trimmed. In certain situations, the first cut or trim of these trees will be undertaken and paid for by us

Who looks after the service line to my house?

The line from the street to your house is usually your responsibility as the property owner, including keeping vegetation off it. The zones still apply, and so does the four-metre rule — if the tree is within four metres of that line, you need an approved arborist.

Can I trim or remove the tree myself?

If you, the tree, or any tools or equipment could come within 4 metres of a power line, do not attempt the work yourself. Contact The Lines Company first.

Cutting or removing trees near live power lines is dangerous. It can lead to serious injury, electric shock, fire, power outages, and damage to property or electricity infrastructure. Trees or branches can fall or swing unexpectedly, and electricity can arc to nearby objects even without direct contact.

Work near power lines may need to be carried out by a qualified contractor, or the line may need to be isolated before work begins.

Can The Lines Company enter my property?’

In some circumstances, the regulations allow The Lines Company to enter land to inspect trees or carry out work.

If access is needed, The Lines Company will follow the relevant legal requirements and local process. In some situations, relating to treefall hazard removal, The Lines Company may also ask for the tree owner’s consent to enter the property and remove the tree.

If you have questions about access, please contact The Lines Company.

Offences and penalties

Tree owners can be fined if they do not meet certain requirements under the regulations.

Cut or trim notices

A tree owner might commit an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they:

  • do not have a tree cut or trimmed as required by a cut or trim notice
  • do not tell The Lines Company the time and location of the work at least three working days before it takes place.

If convicted, the tree owner may be fined up to $10,000. If the offence continues, a further fine of up to $500 for every day or part of a day may apply.

Treefall hazard notices — from 23 July 2028

From 23 July 2028, a tree owner may commit an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they:

  • do not have a tree removed within the timeframe required by a treefall hazard notice
  • do not tell The Lines Company the time and location of the removal as required.

If convicted, the tree owner may be fined up to $10,000.

 

Low height planting zone

Not complying with the low height planting zone restrictions is not itself an offence. However, it may affect who is responsible for the cost of future tree trimming or removal and the options available to the tree owner under the regulations.