Tirohia mēnā ka āhei tō turaki, kokoti, āta kutikuti noa rānei i ngā rākau i runga i tōu ake whenua Check if you can chop, prune or trim a tree on your property

Check if your tree is protected

If the tree you are planning to work on is protected, you may need a resource consent.

To find out if you need a resource consent to work on or around a tree:

There are several rules under which a tree on your property might be protected.

No class or species of tree has automatic protection, excluding the Hauraki Gulf islands where a number of vegetation rules apply.

To find out if you need a resource consent to remove or alter vegetation on a Hauraki Gulf island, see the District Plan (Hauraki Gulf islands section) practice and guidance note - vegetation clearance (PDF 362KB)

Use the Unitary Plan (GIS) viewer to find out if your tree is notable or in a SEA (meaning the tree has an additional level of protection).

Enter your property address in the search and the 'Results' will display the 'Overlays' on the left-hand side.

Our tip

You will need to apply for a resource consent if you want to remove more than 250 square meters of vegetation on rural zoned land.

Trees or vegetation (non-pest species) are likely to be protected if:

on or near (within 20m) steep coastal cliffs - if the cliff is within 150m of the high tide mark
on or near (within 20m) stream and river banks
within or close to sensitive coastal or wetland areas.

If in doubt, check with us using the contact details above.

Order a property file to find out if a tree is protected under a condition of a previously granted resource consent.

Order a Record of Title from the LINZ to find out if a tree is protected under a consent notice or a covenant on the property title.