FAQs - Trees

Council does not encourage people to plant trees on Council berms, and discourages people from doing so. If a planting occurs without permission from Council, action will be taken to remove.

If you would like to discuss planting a tree on a Council berm or require further information on this matter, contact the Customer Services Team on 06 366 0999 or email enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or over the counter at any of the Customer Service Centres.

Some trees within the Horowhenua District are protected. These trees are classified in the District Plan as “Notable Trees”. You can find a full list within Councils Operative District Plan 2015, Part F Schedule 3.

No person may remove, damage or destroy a Scheduled Notable Tree; to understand what activities are permitted and for more information please contact the Customer Service Team on 366 0999 or email us at enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz

Once advised of a footpath obstruction Council will contact the owner asking for the vegetation to be cut back off the footpath, this includes any branches that may be overhanging the footpath.

If you would like to advise Council of a footpath obstruction, either contact the Customer Services Team on 06 366 0999 or email  enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or over the counter at any of our Customer Service Centres.

How do you comply?

All overgrowth and shrubs must be trimmed back clear of the footpath edge and there should be a clearance of 2.1 metres (7 feet) of overhanging growth above the footpath for pedestrians and other footpath users.

What happens if the request to comply is not actioned by the owner?

Council can take action against residents or property owners breaching these requirements by issuing notices requesting action to be taken within 14 days. After that time should the problem not be remedied, then Council will be engaged to do the work at the owners expense.

To report a tree on a powerline please call Electra directly on 0800 lostpower or 0800 567 876.
If you believe the tree is owned by Council call us on (06) 366 0999 or email us enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz
Please note that owners are responsible for keeping their tree(s) clear of electricity network lines, more information on the responsibilities of tree owners can be found on the Electra website.

Council is responsible for the removal of trees, branches or other vegetation off a road, unless the road is privately owned. If the road is privately owned Council will not take any action. It is the responsibility of the owner/s to arrange a contractor or arborist to remove all tree matter or debris from the road.

If the situation is extremely dangerous or life threatening Council will take action urgent action upon an owners request for assistance, however the property owner/s will be invoiced for all costs at the completion of the job.

To request removal of a tree, branch or other vegetation off a road contact the Customer Services Team on (06) 366 0999 or email enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz.

If you have a problem with a neighbours tree blocking sunlight from your property you should firstly speak with your neighbour to discuss the matter. Council will usually not become involved as this is a civil matter, unless the tree is registered as a protected tree.

You can check whether or not the tree is registered as Notable (protected) within Councils Operative District Plan 2015 Part F Schedule 3. In the event that the tree concerned is registered as notable, contact Customer Services on 06 366 0999 or email enquries@horowhenua.govt.nz

If you have a problem with a neighbours tree hanging over your property you should firstly speak with your neighbour to discuss the matter.

If that is unsuccessful you may need to take legal action as unfortunately Council will not become involved as this is a civil matter, unless the tree is registered as a protected tree.

You can check whether or not the tree is registered as Notable (protected) within Councils Operative District Plan 2015 Part F Schedule 3. In the event that the tree concerned is registered as notable, contact Customer Services on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz.