Maintenance and management

How can I report an issue or make a request or application in relation to roads, footpaths, traffic signals or road signs?

See our how can I? page for links to:

report a problem, damage, or an abandoned car
make a request
make an application.

For issues related to traffic signals and signage on state highways in and around the city, contact Fulton Hogan on 07 847 5127 to report damage.

For signage on state highways outside the city boundary, or street name signage on state highways within the city, contact the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

Who maintains city roads?

We are responsible for our city’s local roads, and to some degree, some of the infrastructure on state highways running through the city. We look after local traffic signals, signs, bus shelters and other transport and local roading infrastructure, including roads, bridges, footpaths, public walkways and verges, vehicle crossings, removing autumn leaves and dealing with flooding issues.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is responsible for all maintenance and operational aspects of the roadway (i.e. between the kerb lines).

Who looks after streetlights?

We maintain streetlights except for those down private lanes, which are the responsibility of property owners (contact an electrical contractor for assistance). Most of our city streetlights use cost-efficient LED bulbs, and the lights are maintained and serviced by our contractors.

If a single light’s not working, contact us or report a problem (see how can I? in the related pages list below).
If it’s a string of lights, try Wel Networks – it may be a cable issue instead.
For issues with streetlights on State Highways, contact the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

Frequently asked questions

What about grass verges, berms and overhanging vegetation maintenance?

Verges and berms
We expect owners or residents of urban properties to mow and maintain the berms (including natural stormwater treatment devices and/or plantings) outside their homes and businesses.

We will only mow berms where:

excessive size (exceeding 200m2 of grass) or steep contour makes it unreasonable for the single residential property owner to mow.
the property owner or resident doesn't carry out the mowing and a safety hazard (fire, vermin) is created.

The frequency of mowing will be at our discretion.

Contact us first if you want to plant in the berm area. See our Agrichemicals and spraying page if you want to go on our ‘no spray’ register (so we know to skip your street frontage).

Trees, shrubs, overhanging vegetation
Trees, shrubs and plants on your boundary or overhanging the road should be kept clear of the footpath (i.e. 2.4m above or more), so that others can use the path safely. In extreme cases, we can serve notice on property owners who consistently fail to do this or remove the vegetation and recover costs. We’ll trim street trees as needed.

What if I want to build or repair a driveway or entrance?

These connect a property and a public road and are the property owner's responsibility (where a footpath crosses the driveway the Council maintains the footpath). However, we need to approve, inspect and sign off new crossings and/or repairs, so contact us first. Also check out our information in our how can I? pages.