Vegetation Management

Tree owners and electricity distribution (lines) companies have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety and security of electricity supply for people, businesses, and communities. Trees and vegetation growing too close to power lines are a key cause of unplanned power outages. That’s why the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 are important. It sets out what tree owners and companies like EA Networks are obligated to do to keep everyone safe.

Safety first

If you see a tree touching a power line or any other hazardous tree condition, please contact us immediately on 0800 430 460. For non-urgent cases, please email trees@eanetworks.co.nz for support.

DO NOT try to remove an item caught in power lines or a tree near power lines – trees and objects can become electrically live while touching a power line.

BE CAREFUL – tree trimming can be extremely hazardous and should not be underestimated. We recommend you hire professionals with the necessary expertise to safely carry out tree trimming.

If you have a tree that could impact power lines, please remember that a power outage caused by your tree may not just affect you – it may have an impact on many people.

Know your zone

The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 outlines minimum safe distances that your trees need to be from electricity lines.

Growth limit zone: The space around a power line that vegetation must not encroach, even in windy or stormy conditions. Should your trees reach the growth limit zone, your trees must be cut now.

Cut-back zone: Trees must be cut back so that they are outside of this zone. Trees are within one metre of the Growth Notice Zone.

Notice zone: Provides notice to owners that their trees are at risk of encroaching on power lines. Trees are within two metres of the Growth Limit Zone.

Fall hazard zone: Trees present a hazard if they fall and damage power lines. A tree’s fall hazard zone is the height of the tree plus metres.

Note: Fall zone trees are not currently covered by regulatory requirements. However, they still pose a hazard to the power lines and can be a risk of causing power outages to yourself and neighbours.

Tree notices

During our regular checks, if we identify a tree that needs attention, we will issue you with a notice.

Cut/trim notice

You’ll receive this when a tree needs your attention under the regulations. At this time, you can declare no interest in your trees near our network. This means you won’t be liable for damage the tree might cause to our lines, and we have permission to carry out necessary safety work or removal of the tree. To qualify for no interest, the tree must be naturally sown, or at the time of planting, the tree owner reasonably believed that the tree, when fully grown, would not interfere with any conductor.

Second cut/trim

After your first cut/trim, you’re responsible for taking care of the trees on your property. This includes organising and paying for your trees to be trimmed safely if they’re close to the power lines.

Fines