Tree interference with power lines

Trees that grow too close to power lines can cause problems with the local power supply and be a danger to the public.
If it is noted during a survey of your area that trees on your property have grown too close to the overhead lines, you will be issued with a notice requiring the trees to be cut or trimmed in accordance with the:

• Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003.
 

Under these regulations Centralines will provide the first cut or trim for these trees at our cost provided the following conditions apply:

1. According to Centralines records the trees have not been subject to a previous cut or trim at our cost
    
2. The trees do not form a shelterbelt
    
3. The trees have not been the subject of a previous agreement

In these circumstances a "First Cut or Trim Notice" will be issued.

Before this work is carried out you will need to complete and sign the first cut or trim notice and return it to Centralines. Failure to complete, sign and return this notice within 7 days may result in you missing out on this first free cut or trim and you may be charged for any work needed to clear the trees from the power lines. Please read the back page of the notice as there are several important points about the tree regulations that you need to know, including the following:

Ongoing responsibility

Once we have done the first free cut or trim, you as the tree owner are responsible for keeping your trees away from the power lines. The zone tables and diagram below show the growth limit zone and the area that you will need to keep the trees outside of in the future.

No Interest notice

You can declare no interest (however this is not applicable to shelterbelts)

If you are an owner or occupier of a property and wish to give a No Interest Notice regarding a tree or trees on your land and you have received a Cut or Trim notice, the owner or occupier must complete and submit the No interest Notice to Centralines no later than 10 working days after the date on which the tree/s owner received the Cut or Trim notice.

If you need to take No Interest action regarding a tree or trees on your property, you may obtain the No Interest Notice from our office; or request by phoning the Vegetation Management Team at Centralines on 06 858 7770.