Yes, in most cases a NZ homeowner can hire a mini excavator (digger) to break up and remove an old concrete driveway themselves — it's a popular weekend project that can save significant money on labour. That said, there are a few important checks around underground services, building consent, and safe machine operation that you need to sort out before you fire up the machine.
Check for Underground Services First
This is the single most important step. Striking a buried gas line, water main, or electrical cable with a digger bucket can be fatal and extremely costly.
- Contact Dial Before You Dig (0800 248 344 or dialbeforeyoudig.co.nz) to request a service location plan for your property. This is free and usually takes a couple of business days.
- Your local council or network utility operator may also have records of stormwater and sewer lines running under or near the driveway.
- Even with plans in hand, hand-dig or probe carefully in any area where services are marked — plans are not always 100% accurate.
- If you find gas pipes or electrical conduits, stop work immediately and contact the relevant utility. Disturbing gas infrastructure is restricted work under the Gas Act, and electrical supply cables must only be worked around by a licensed professional — see WorkSafe NZ for guidance on excavation near services.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Removing a driveway is generally considered maintenance or demolition of a non-structural element and typically falls under Schedule 1 of the Building Act as exempt work — meaning no building consent is required in most situations. However:
- If the driveway connects to a council kerb crossing or vehicle crossing, you may need a separate road opening permit or vehicle crossing approval from your local council. Always check with your council before starting.
- If the driveway is near a retaining wall, slope, or boundary, earthworks rules (often covered under your district plan) may apply.
- Check with MBIE Building Performance for general guidance, and always confirm with your local council — rules vary by district.
Choosing the Right Hired Digger
For a standard residential concrete driveway, a 1.5 to 3 tonne mini excavator is usually the right tool. Here's a quick guide:
| Driveway Size | Recommended Machine | Typical Hire Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 30 m²) | 1.5 t mini excavator | Half to full day |
| Medium (30–60 m²) | 2–3 t mini excavator | Full day |
| Large (60 m²+) | 3–5 t excavator | 1–2 days |
- A hydraulic breaker (rock hammer) attachment makes breaking up concrete far easier than using the bucket alone — ask your hire company if one is available.
- Check that the machine will fit through your gate or access point before booking. Most mini excavators are under 1.5 m wide, but measure your access.
- Hire companies such as those listed on Bunnings or local hire yards can advise on the right machine. Always ask for a safety briefing if you haven't operated a digger before.
Operating the Digger Safely
Mini excavators are powerful machines. Even experienced operators treat them with respect.
- Wear appropriate PPE: steel-capped boots, high-vis vest, hard hat, and safety glasses when breaking concrete.
- Keep bystanders — especially children — well clear of the working area at all times.
- Work methodically: break the concrete into manageable slabs, then use the bucket to lift and stack pieces for removal.
- Watch for reinforcing steel (rebar) inside the concrete — it's common in driveways and can spring back unexpectedly when cut or lifted.
- Never exceed the machine's rated lift capacity when loading broken concrete into a skip bin or truck.
- Be aware of overhead powerlines — maintain at least a 4 m clearance from any live lines. If lines are closer, contact your lines company before starting.
- Consult WorkSafe NZ for excavator safety guidelines.
Disposing of the Broken Concrete
Broken concrete (rubble) cannot go in your kerbside recycling bin. Options include:
- Skip bin hire — order a skip sized for the volume of concrete. Concrete is heavy; a standard driveway can easily produce several tonnes of rubble.
- Concrete recycling facilities — many NZ regions have facilities that crush and recycle concrete as aggregate. Check with your local council or waste facility.
- Some landscaping suppliers will accept clean concrete rubble for use as fill — ring around locally.
- Budget for disposal costs as part of your project — they can add up quickly with concrete.
When to Call a Professional
While this is a realistic DIY project for a capable homeowner, consider hiring a qualified excavation contractor if:
- The driveway is large, steeply sloped, or in a confined space where machine access is tricky.
- There are known services running under or very close to the slab.
- You are not confident operating an excavator — an inexperienced operator can damage property, underground services, or injure themselves quickly.
- The concrete is heavily reinforced or unusually thick (e.g., an old commercial-grade slab).
- You need the subbase regraded or prepared for a new driveway — a professional can often do the full job more efficiently.
A qualified local excavation contractor will have the right equipment, experience, and insurance. You can find excavation and earthworks professionals in your area at tradedirectory.co.nz.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
