Introduction

Purpose of this document

During March and April 2023, a consultation was held on proposed options for amending the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003, to help improve the resilience of the electricity network so Aotearoa New Zealand can prepare for a changing climate.

The Discussion Document sought feedback from the public and stakeholders on the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s preferred options for amending the Regulations.

This Summary of Submissions paper identifies the main points made in stakeholders’ submissions. This document provides an overview of the feedback and does not capture every point.

MBIE received 135 submissions to the public consultation. Thank you to everyone that took the time to respond. MBIE is using the submissions to inform its advice to the Government on the proposed amendments to the Tree Regulations.

Why did MBIE release the discussion document?

Extreme weather events have the potential to disrupt and damage New Zealand’s energy supply and are expected to increase in frequency. This was demonstrated by extreme weather events last year, including Cyclone Gabrielle, where vegetation damaged power lines.

In its review of the existing regulations, MBIE consulted with a range of stakeholders on aspects of the regulations that were perceived as being ineffective.

Overview of respondents

In total, MBIE received 135 submissions.

Works owners refers to line’s owners and relevant peak bodies.

Vegetation owners also includes landowners, forest owners, forest managers and relevant peak bodies.

What the discussion document addressed

The Discussion Document focused on 5 key areas. These were:

1. risks to lines from vegetation growing outside of the GLZ, which the Tree Regulations do not currently address
2. the Trees Regulations do not adequately prevent the over-trimming of hazardous vegetation
3. the balance of vegetation owners’ and works owners’ responsibilities
4. access to private property for works owners is unclear
5. the dispute resolution process is under-utilised.

Analysing the responses

The discussion paper included 24 questions which required qualitive responses. This analysis focuses on the key themes which emerged in submissions.

How this document works

This document is a summary of the submissions MBIE received, including key themes and issues raised by submitters. All the submissions received have been analysed by MBIE. Not all of the suggestions or feedback given by respondents is outlined or addressed in this paper.

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