Property issues
If you’re dealing with issues that affect your property or neighbourhood, it can sometimes be tricky to know who to contact. We’ve put together some quick compliance information to help point you in the right direction. From boundary disputes and fencing, to noise, vibration, fire hazards and tree protection, this guide outlines the common situations that arise and explains whether to get in touch with us, another agency, or your neighbour directly.
To determine your property boundary, contact either:
For Kāpiti to remain a great place to live and work, demolition, construction and redevelopment need to happen from time to time. Council manages this activity to ensure that noise is kept to reasonable levels and only takes place during permitted hours.
Below you’ll find an overview of permitted construction times and noise levels for residential areas. If work exceeds these limits, you can make a complaint to Council.
To report any damage to your property from construction activity contact the Citizens Advice Bureau, or New Zealand Law Society.
Earthworks causing instability to property, including cracking of the earth or a large unstable cut – contact us and our compliance officer will make an assessment.
You can find more detailed information on earthworks.
Fencing is a matter between neighbours. In the first instance, Citizens Advice Bureau or New Zealand Law Society to discuss your issue.
For fences that are over 2 metres in height, contact us to discuss.
If you spot something that could be a fire hazard, like an overgrown section, you can report it to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
If you notice smoke or smells coming from a fire that is going beyond a property boundary and is bothering you, contact us so we can investigate the issue.
To report safety issues or lack of onsite facilities for neighbouring developments contact Worksafe New Zealand.
Water can flow or drain naturally from neighbouring land on to your property. To check if your property is in an overland flow path, enter your address in our map viewer.
Unless an easement has been granted, water should not collect artificially from a neighbouring property. For example, the owner of a swimming pool which leaks or releases water over a neighbour’s property may be liable for resulting damage. Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or New Zealand Law Society on this issue.
Cabins/transportable homes are becoming more popular and often include sleeping, cooking, bathing and toilet facilities. Contact us if they appear self-contained and connected to our infrastructure services, such as water supply and/or wastewater connections.
To report trespassing or an obstruction in a private driveway – contact the police.
Contact us to report obstructions on a footpath, berm, road or public area.
Issues with trees along shared boundaries of properties are a matter for neighbours to resolve.
Some notable trees are protected in the district and you can check whether a tree is protected by looking up the address in our district plan. If there is an issue with a notable tree, then please contact us.
Contact us to report an abandoned vehicle that is on the footpath, berms, roads or public areas. We can inspect the vehicle and take steps to remove it.
People can sleep in their vehicles but can’t create a nuisance in a public space. If you are concerned about any public nuisance, then please contact us.
Construction or earthwork activities may cause vibration effects.
We may be able to investigate the cause of the vibration, but we can’t help with rectifying any damage.
People can trim and clear most vegetation on their property.
Indigenous vegetation that is significant, considered to be rare/threatened, or located within an ecological site may have additional restrictions – please contact us if you have any concerns.