Tree Notices
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 gives Unison the ability to issue Tree Notices to owners of trees which are growing into, or are in danger of growing into, power lines.
If, during a survey of your area, our Vegetation team notes your trees are growing into the Growth Limit Zone, you will be issued with one of two notices, either a ‘First Cut or Trim Notice’ or a ‘Cut or Trim Notice’.
Once we receive your signed copy of the notice, we’ll schedule a time with you for our Vegetation team to complete the work.
Tree notices and what they mean
When it may be used
Vegetation has entered the hazard warning notice zone.
What it means
This is a warning that the tree is getting too close.
What the tree owner may need to do
Monitor the situation and act before the tree reaches the growth limit zone.
When it may be used
Vegetation has entered the growth limit zone.
What it means
The tree must be cut back as required by the notice.
What the tree owner may need to do
Arrange for the tree to be cut safely and notify the lines company as required.
Who pays
If the tree qualifies for its first cut or trim under the regulations, the lines company will pay for that work. After that, ongoing trimming is generally the tree owner’s responsibility. See section below titled ‘offences and penalties.’
Treefall hazard notice (from 23 July 2028). Before this date, discussions with tree owners about hazardous trees will be voluntary
When it may be used
After written advice from a qualified and experienced arborist about the likelihood of the tree falling, a tree in the treefall hazard area has been assessed as a moderate or high hazard.
What it means
The tree must be removed within the timeframe set by the regulations.
What the tree owner may need to do
Work with the lines company on safe removal as per the notice. A moderate hazard tree must be removed within 45 working days. A high hazard tree must be removed within 25 working days.
Who pays
In most cases, the lines company meets the reasonable cost of removing the tree and associated debris. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a tree was planted unlawfully in the low height planting zone, the tree owner may be responsible for the cost.
When it may be used
In certain situations, an owner or occupier may say they have no interest in the tree. If you have already received a cut or trim notice or, from 23 July 2028, a treefall hazard notice, the no-interest notice must generally be given within 10 working days.
What it means
This may affect who carries out the work and who manages the tree next.
What the tree owner may need to do
Follow the process and timeframes in the regulations and any local guidance.
What if I disagree with a notice or assessment?
Different review or dispute options may be available depending on the type of notice or issue.
For some matters under the regulations, disputes may be referred to the Tree Arbitrator. The WorkSafe website lists the current Tree Arbitrator and further information. Some issues may also be raised with Utilities Disputes, depending on the complaint.
If you disagree with a notice you receive, contact us as soon as possible so the next steps can be explained.
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 us 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 us 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.
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. Call in the experts.
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.
If you're unsure, contact us before doing any work.
Taupō & Rotorua approved contractor: Contact Treescape treescape.co.nz | 0800 873 396
Hawke’s Bay: Contact Unison | 0800 2 UNISON (0800 2 86476)
Can a lines company enter my property?
In some circumstances, the regulations allow us to enter land to inspect trees or carry out work.
If access is needed, we will follow the relevant legal requirements and local process. In some situations relating to treefall hazard removal, we 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 us.
Contact us
If you have questions about trees near power lines, please contact us.