Welcome to your ultimate guide to what to do before you dig in NZ. Whether you’re planning to build a fence, plant a tree, or start a backyard project, digging without checking for underground services can lead to serious damage, injury, or costly repairs. Every year, Kiwis accidentally hit gas lines, water pipes, and power cables simply because they didn’t take one crucial step—using the free BeforeUDig service. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before picking up a shovel, so you can dig safely, avoid legal trouble, and protect yourself, your property, and your community.
Before you dig in NZ, always contact BeforeUDig to check for underground utilities like gas, water, and power lines. It’s free, easy, and helps prevent costly damage or injury. Simply map your dig site, request utility plans online, review the information, and dig with care. Even shallow digging can be dangerous without proper checks.
- Who Needs To Read This?
- What Could Go Wrong If You Don't Check?
- Step-By-Step: What To Do Before You Dig In NZ
- How Deep Can You Dig Without Permission?
- Digging Safely After Getting the All-Clear
- What To Do If You Hit A Utility By Accident
- Common Myths About Digging In NZ
- Pro Tips To Save Time And Avoid Trouble
- Final Checklist Before You Start Digging
- FAQs: About What To Do Before You Dig In NZ
- Conclusion
- Find A Professional Civil Construction Company Near You!
Who Needs To Read This?
If you’re planning any kind of digging project in New Zealand, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a homeowner fixing up your backyard, a weekend DIY enthusiast, or a contractor running small jobs, the risks of damaging underground utilities are real and costly. Knowing when and why to check before you dig can save you from legal issues, serious injury, or expensive repairs.
- Homeowners doing common projects like installing fences, building decks, laying concrete driveways, or putting in a retaining wall are especially at risk. Many assume that digging on their own property is safe without checks, but underground services often run through residential areas. Power, water, gas, and even fiber cables could be buried just below the surface.
- DIYers who plan to plant trees, set up a new letterbox, or dig garden beds deeper than 30cm should also take the same precautions. Even shallow digging can hit pipes or wires if you’re not aware of what lies beneath. BeforeUDig NZ provides the exact utility locations, so you’re not digging blindly.
- Builders, tradies, and small contractors are legally and professionally expected to know what’s underground before starting a job. Clients may not always inform you of service locations, and assumptions can be dangerous. Checking plans in advance protects your team, your client’s property, and your reputation.
If your project involves digging deeper than 30cm, you need to request utility information first. That’s the general threshold where underground services can be present. It’s not just a safety step—it’s part of responsible project planning. Whether you’re setting a fence post or trenching for drainage, always verify before you break ground.
Don’t take chances. If you’re touching soil with tools, spades, or machines, this guide applies to you. Dig smart, stay safe, and protect what’s underground.
What Could Go Wrong If You Don’t Check?
Digging without checking for underground services in New Zealand can lead to serious, sometimes dangerous consequences. Many people assume it’s safe to start digging without a plan, especially for small backyard projects. But hitting a buried utility can put your safety at risk, damage public infrastructure, and land you in legal or financial trouble. Here’s what can really go wrong if you skip that one simple step.
Gas Leaks and Explosions
Striking an underground gas pipe is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Gas leaks can result in fires, explosions, or toxic exposure. Even a small gas leak may force emergency evacuations and shut down nearby streets or businesses. In 2022, a Christchurch homeowner caused a gas leak while installing a fence. Fire and Emergency NZ had to evacuate nearby residents and seal off the area for several hours.
Power Outages and Electrocution
Electricity cables can also be buried underground, especially in newer subdivisions. Damaging one can knock out power to your home or your entire street. Worse, it puts you at risk of electrocution. In Auckland, a contractor cut through a high-voltage line in 2021 while digging without checking utility plans. The result was a widespread blackout and a hefty repair bill.
Burst Water Pipes and Flooding
Water and sewer pipes are often buried just beneath the surface. Hitting one can flood your property, damage your foundation, and contaminate nearby areas. Even a minor leak can take hours to locate and repair, leading to project delays and added costs.
Legal Trouble and Financial Penalties
If you damage a public utility, you may be legally responsible. Councils and utility companies can issue fines or make you pay for repairs. For example, under the Utilities Access Act, asset owners have the right to recover costs for damage caused by unapproved digging. If you’re working on a commercial site, this can also affect your licensing and liability insurance.
Unexpected Project Delays
You might think a simple job will only take an afternoon. But if you hit an underground service, expect delays. Repair crews may need to intervene, work might be paused, and your whole project timeline could be pushed back. For contractors, this can lead to missed deadlines and client dissatisfaction.
Costly Repairs
Fixing damaged cables or pipes is rarely cheap. You may need to hire specialists, restore damaged land, and cover the full cost of labor and materials. These costs are rarely covered by homeowners’ insurance if the proper checks weren’t done beforehand.
Avoidable Stress
Beyond money and time, there’s the stress of dealing with an accident. Emergency calls, paperwork, angry neighbors, or even media attention can turn a weekend project into a nightmare.
The bottom line: it’s not worth the risk. Using a free service like BeforeUDig ensures you know exactly what’s below the surface. Whether you’re planting a hedge or installing a deck, always check first—because the consequences of not checking can be serious, expensive, and fully preventable.
Step-By-Step: What To Do Before You Dig In NZ
Planning a digging project in New Zealand—whether it’s for a fence, a new deck, or simple landscaping—starts with more than just grabbing a shovel. You need to take steps to protect yourself, your property, and underground infrastructure. One wrong move could cut power, cause flooding, or even put lives at risk. This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to do before you dig, ensuring your project runs smoothly and safely.
Map Out Your Dig Site
Before anything else, take time to mark the exact area where you plan to dig. Use spray paint, stakes, or flags to outline the boundary clearly. This helps you visualize the scale of your project and ensures you’re only checking for utilities in the correct location. Next, measure the dimensions of the dig zone, including depth if possible. The more detail you include in your site plan, the more accurate your utility response will be. Finally, look around for existing structures—like fences, garden beds, driveways, or trees—that may hide underground services or be affected by digging. Don’t overlook these details; they often point to the presence of buried infrastructure nearby.
Request Utility Maps Via BeforeUDig.co.nz
Once your site is mapped, go to BeforeUDig.co.nz. This is the official New Zealand service that connects you to utility asset owners who hold maps of underground services. The request process is simple. Create a free account, log in, and submit your dig location. You’ll need to provide your address, estimated dig depth, proposed dates, and a clear outline of your work area. Be as accurate as possible—vague or incomplete requests could delay your project or leave out essential utility information. After submitting, you’ll usually receive plans within a few hours, although some asset owners may take up to two working days. Use this time to review your timeline and gather your tools. Keyword phrases like “BeforeUDig NZ request” and “utility location services NZ” are essential here for visibility if you’re explaining the process online or writing about it on your site.
Understand The Plans You Receive
The plans you receive will show the types and locations of underground utilities in your dig zone. Each utility company uses symbols and colors to mark different services: red for power, yellow for gas, blue for water, green for telecommunications, and so on. Take time to read the legend or key provided with your documents. If you’re unsure about anything, contact the utility owner directly. Understanding what’s under the ground is crucial—never assume the absence of markings means there’s nothing there. Some services may not be clearly mapped or might require an additional on-site inspection. Always use plans as a starting point, not the final word.
Call For On-Site Locating
In some cases, especially for larger or more complex projects, the plans alone aren’t enough. That’s when you should call in a certified underground locator. These professionals use electromagnetic detection tools and radar to identify exactly where cables, pipes, and conduits are located. They physically mark the ground on-site, giving you precise guidance for safe digging. This step adds a critical safety layer, especially in areas with old infrastructure or multiple overlapping utilities. It also helps you avoid costly errors and project delays. If you’re hiring contractors for your project, check that they understand how to work with these markings—and don’t rely on guesswork.
By following these steps, you reduce the chance of unexpected problems and create a safer work environment. Whether you’re working alone or hiring a team, doing your due diligence before digging ensures your project doesn’t turn into a disaster. Every dig, no matter how small, starts with a plan—and that plan starts with BeforeUDig.
How Deep Can You Dig Without Permission?
In New Zealand, there’s a common belief that shallow digging is always safe—but that’s not true. As a general rule, any digging deeper than 30cm (about the length of a school ruler) comes with risk. Even small backyard jobs like planting trees, installing fence posts, or digging trenches can accidentally strike underground cables or pipes.
Many essential services—power, water, gas, phone, and internet—are often buried just below the surface. In newer areas, some cables are installed as shallow as 10–20cm due to modern trenching methods or landscaping changes. This means you could damage a utility line without even going that deep.
That’s why you should always contact BeforeUDig before starting any digging, no matter how minor the job seems. It doesn’t matter if you’re digging one hole or reshaping your whole garden. The service is free, quick to use, and gives you access to underground utility maps submitted by asset owners.
Calling BeforeUDig helps you stay safe, avoid fines, and prevent damage to your property or community infrastructure. Don’t rely on guesswork. If your digging project involves breaking the surface by more than 30cm—or even close to it—play it safe and request utility plans first.
Digging Safely After Getting the All-Clear
Once you’ve received your utility plans from BeforeUDig and confirmed the location of underground services, the next step is to dig with care. Just because you’ve got the all-clear doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. Many incidents happen after plans are reviewed, simply because safety steps weren’t followed on-site. Here’s how to dig responsibly and avoid damaging underground infrastructure.
How To Dig Near Marked Services
If your project requires working close to marked utility lines, use hand tools like a spade or shovel instead of machinery. This is known as soft digging. It’s the safest method when you’re within the safety tolerance of any marked service. Avoid power tools or heavy equipment until you’ve fully exposed the area and are confident it’s safe.
Use non-metallic digging tools when you’re near electrical or telecommunication lines. A metal shovel can easily cause damage or trigger an electric shock if it comes into contact with a live cable. Always dig slowly, peel away layers, and pay close attention to any changes in soil texture or resistance—this can indicate you’re getting close to a buried asset.
Stay 0.5m–1.5m Away From Marked Lines
Keep a horizontal clearance of at least 0.5 to 1.5 meters from the sides of any marked utility lines. The exact safe distance depends on the utility type and the asset owner’s guidelines, but this range is a good standard for most cases.
Some older utility plans may be slightly off or not reflect real-world conditions. That’s why maintaining this buffer zone is critical. If you must dig closer than the recommended distance, stop and consult the utility owner or a certified locator.
What To Do If You’re Unsure On-Site
If you’re in doubt at any point during your digging:
- Pause all digging immediately. Don’t guess or assume—it’s not worth the risk.
- Check your plans again. Compare them to your physical markings on the ground.
- Contact BeforeUDig or the asset owner for clarification.
- Consider hiring a professional locator. They can detect and mark underground utilities with high accuracy using specialized equipment.
Remember, even if you’ve done your prep work, it’s your actions on-site that matter most. Digging safely protects not only your property but also nearby homes, businesses, and the utility workers who maintain these essential networks.
What To Do If You Hit A Utility By Accident
Accidentally hitting a utility line while digging is a serious situation. Whether it’s a gas pipe, water main, power cable, or communication line, your first priority is safety. Many underground services are dangerous when damaged, and even a small hit can cause major problems for your property, your neighbors, or the wider community. Here’s exactly what to do if you strike something underground.
Stop Work Immediately
As soon as you notice that you’ve hit a utility—whether it’s a cable, pipe, or anything unusual—stop all digging and machinery. Do not continue working in the area. Any further disturbance could increase the damage or risk of injury. Make sure everyone on site is clear about the situation, and evacuate the area if necessary, especially if you smell gas, hear hissing, or see signs of water or electrical faults.
Who To Contact For Each Type Of Utility
Different utility types have different emergency numbers or reporting protocols. If you’re unsure what you’ve hit, stay away from the site and contact emergency services.
- Gas – If you smell gas or hit a gas line, move away immediately and call 111. After that, contact your local gas provider, such as Firstgas or Vector.
- Electricity – If it’s a power line or cable, treat the area as live. Do not touch or go near it. Contact the electricity distributor in your region and call 111 if there is a risk to life.
- Water or Wastewater – Contact your local council or water authority (like Watercare in Auckland or Wellington Water).
- Telecommunications – For phone or fibre cables, contact the provider listed on your BeforeUDig utility map (e.g., Chorus or Vodafone).
Always keep emergency contact details on hand before starting any digging work.
What Not To Do
Do not try to fix, move, or cover up the damaged utility. Even if it looks minor, tampering with underground infrastructure is dangerous and could make the problem worse. Never use tools to inspect the damage yourself, and don’t continue digging around it. Attempting to hide the damage can result in legal consequences and liability for repairs or service outages.
Instead, secure the area, inform anyone nearby to stay clear, and wait for the professionals to arrive. Utility companies are equipped to assess the damage and restore services safely.
Final Thought
Mistakes can happen, even with proper planning. But how you respond after hitting a utility can make a huge difference. Always act quickly, notify the right people, and never try to handle it alone. Staying calm and following the right steps keeps everyone safe and helps restore service as soon as possible.
Common Myths About Digging In NZ
Many New Zealanders still believe that small digging projects are safe to do without checking underground utility lines. These beliefs can lead to serious accidents, unexpected costs, and even legal trouble. Let’s break down the most common myths and explain why they’re wrong.
- “I’ve dug here before—it’s fine.”
Just because you’ve dug in the same spot in the past doesn’t mean it’s safe now. Underground infrastructure can change over time. New cables or pipes may have been installed since your last project, either by utility companies or previous contractors. Always request updated utility plans through BeforeUDig before starting any new dig, even in familiar locations. - “There are no cables in residential areas.”
This is a dangerous assumption. Residential areas often have a dense network of services like water mains, gas lines, fiber cables, and power lines running beneath driveways, gardens, and footpaths. In fact, many underground networks are routed through private properties to reach homes efficiently. You can’t see them, but they’re there. Always check before you dig, even in a quiet suburban street. - “I’m not digging that deep.”
You don’t need to go very deep to hit something important. In some cases, services are buried as shallow as 10 to 30 centimeters. That’s less than the depth of a spade. Installing a letterbox post, planting a tree, or setting fence foundations could put you at risk. If you’re breaking the surface, you need to check what’s underneath. - “The council should’ve told me.”
Councils don’t monitor or manage all underground utilities. Each utility provider—like gas, electricity, or internet—owns and updates their own asset maps. That’s why services like BeforeUDig exist. It’s your responsibility to request those plans. Relying on the council or assuming someone else will notify you is not only risky—it could make you liable if something goes wrong.
Believing these myths can cost more than just time or money. It can lead to service outages, safety hazards, and legal consequences. Always take the time to get the correct information and follow the proper steps before you dig anywhere in New Zealand.
Pro Tips To Save Time And Avoid Trouble
Digging safely in New Zealand isn’t just about avoiding hazards—it’s also about working smarter. Whether you’re planning a small DIY job or a larger outdoor project, taking a few extra steps can save you time, prevent delays, and reduce the chance of costly mistakes. These simple but effective tips help ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Submit Your Request Well In Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to contact BeforeUDig. Some utility providers respond within hours, but others may take up to two working days. If your digging starts tomorrow and you submit a request today, you risk delays—or worse, starting without the information you need. To avoid that, always submit your request at least three to five business days before your planned dig. This gives you time to review all utility plans carefully and take further action if needed, such as hiring a locator for more complex areas.
Check Multiple Sources If Your Project Spans A Large Area
If your work covers a wide space, like a long trench, multiple post holes, or different sections of a large property, don’t rely on a single request or map. Utility coverage may vary across different parts of the site, especially if it crosses property boundaries or road frontages. It’s best to submit requests for each section or address to get the most accurate and complete information. Overlooking part of the site could lead to incomplete plans and increase the risk of hitting buried services.
Keep Printed Plans On-Site
Digital plans are convenient, but having printed copies on hand while you’re digging makes a real difference. If you’re outside and can’t access your phone or tablet, physical plans let you double-check locations quickly and keep your team informed. Mark up the printouts with site notes or service markings as you go, and store them in a weatherproof sleeve. It’s a small effort that helps avoid confusion and supports safer decision-making on the ground.
Re-Check If Your Plans Are Older Than 30 Days
Utility networks can change at any time—new lines may be added, or existing ones may be rerouted. That’s why BeforeUDig recommends treating plans as valid for no more than 30 days. If your project is delayed or ongoing, don’t assume your previous maps are still accurate. Resubmit a new request to confirm nothing has changed. It’s quick, free, and gives you peace of mind that you’re working with the most up-to-date information available.
These pro tips aren’t just for professionals—they apply to anyone planning to dig. A little preparation now can save you from big problems later. Always plan ahead, verify your information, and keep safety top of mind.
Final Checklist Before You Start Digging
Before you begin any digging project in New Zealand, take a few minutes to run through this final checklist. These steps might seem simple, but skipping even one can lead to serious consequences like hitting a gas line, damaging power cables, or facing unexpected repair bills. Whether you’re planting a tree, putting up a fence, or starting a construction job, this checklist helps make sure everything is in order so you can dig with confidence and avoid any unnecessary risks.
- Requested utility plans
Make sure you’ve submitted a request through BeforeUDig.co.nz and received the utility plans for your dig site. These plans show where underground services are located, including gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications. Never rely on guesswork or outdated information. - Understood markings
Review the utility maps carefully. Understand what each line, symbol, and color represents. If anything is unclear, contact the utility provider or a professional for help. Misinterpreting these markings can lead to costly and dangerous mistakes. - Called a locator (if needed)
If the plans are complex or if you’re working in a high-risk area, consider hiring a certified underground locator. They can physically mark the location of services on-site, giving you more accurate guidance before you dig. This extra step adds a critical layer of safety. - Informed your team or household
Make sure everyone involved in the project knows about the utility plans and understands where it’s safe to dig. Communication prevents accidents and ensures everyone is on the same page. If you’re working alone, let someone else know your plans in case of an emergency. - Double-checked the area
Walk the site one more time before breaking ground. Check for any new signs of utilities, like utility boxes or access covers. Compare the physical layout with the utility plans to confirm everything matches. This final step helps avoid last-minute surprises.
This checklist isn’t just a formality—it’s a safety measure that protects you, your property, and your community. Following these steps ensures that your digging project goes smoothly from start to finish without putting lives, services, or budgets at risk.
FAQs: About What To Do Before You Dig In NZ
Conclusion
Before starting any digging project in New Zealand, whether it’s for a fence, garden, or small construction work, always remember to use BeforeUDig NZ. It’s a simple, free step that can prevent serious damage to underground services like gas, power, and water lines. By requesting utility plans and reviewing the area properly, you not only protect your property but also ensure the safety of those around you. Visit BeforeUDig NZ to get started before you lift a shovel. Make sure to bookmark this guide or print the final checklist so you can reference it easily for future projects—and if you found this helpful, share it with friends or neighbours who might be planning to dig too.
Find A Professional Civil Construction Company Near You!
About the Author:
Mike Veail is a recognized digital marketing expert with over 6 years of experience in helping tradespeople and small businesses thrive online. A former quantity surveyor, Mike combines deep industry knowledge with hands-on expertise in SEO and Google Ads. His marketing strategies are tailored to the specific needs of the trades sector, helping businesses increase visibility and generate more leads through proven, ethical methods.
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