Hiring a landscaper without checking their public liability insurance is a risk most NZ homeowners don't realise they're taking. If a contractor damages your property, injures a neighbour, or causes an accident on site, you could end up footing the bill if they're not properly covered. The good news is that checking insurance is straightforward — it just takes a few minutes and the right questions.
Why Public Liability Insurance Matters
Public liability insurance covers a tradesperson for damage or injury they cause to third parties — including you, your property, your neighbours, and members of the public — while carrying out their work. Without it, if a landscaper accidentally breaks a water main, damages your fence, or a falling branch injures a passerby, you may have little legal recourse and could even face costs yourself.
Landscaping work often involves heavy machinery, chainsaws, excavation, and working near structures, so the risk of accidental damage is real. A reputable landscaper will carry public liability cover as a matter of course — typically for at least $1 million, though many carry $2 million or more.
How to Ask for Proof of Insurance
Don't be shy about asking — any professional landscaper will expect this question. Here's how to go about it:
- Ask before signing anything. Request a copy of their current Certificate of Currency (sometimes called a Certificate of Insurance). This is a one-page document issued by their insurer confirming the policy is active.
- Check the key details on the certificate:
- The insured name matches the business or person you're hiring
- The policy type includes public liability
- The expiry date is current (not lapsed)
- The coverage amount is adequate for the scale of your job
- Contact the insurer directly if you're unsure. The certificate will list the insurer. You can call them to confirm the policy is genuine and active — this is a perfectly normal thing to do.
- Ask if their employees and subcontractors are covered. Some policies only cover the principal contractor, not workers they bring on site. Clarify this upfront.
What to Look for in the Certificate
A Certificate of Currency should clearly show:
| Detail | What to check |
|---|---|
| Insured name | Matches the contractor or company you're hiring |
| Policy type | Includes "Public Liability" |
| Coverage limit | At least $1 million (ideally $2 million+) |
| Policy period | Current — not expired |
| Insurer name | A recognised NZ or international insurer |
If the landscaper can't produce a certificate, or becomes evasive when you ask, treat that as a red flag.
Other Insurance to Ask About
Public liability is the most important, but it's worth asking about:
- Statutory liability insurance — covers fines or penalties under NZ law (e.g. if they accidentally breach the Resource Management Act or cause an environmental incident)
- Employer's liability — covers their employees if injured on your site. Note that in NZ, ACC covers most workplace injuries, but employer's liability can cover gaps
- Tools and equipment insurance — less critical for you, but shows the contractor is professional
For guidance on contractor obligations and health and safety on worksites, WorkSafe NZ is a useful resource.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance or refusal to show insurance documents
- A certificate with an expired date
- The insured name doesn't match the person or business you're dealing with
- Very low coverage limits (under $500,000) for significant work
- No written quote or contract offered
Does the Landscaper Need Any Licences?
Landscaping itself is not a licensed trade in New Zealand in the same way that electrical or plumbing work is. However, if your landscaping project involves:
- Plumbing or irrigation connections — this is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board and must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson
- Electrical work (e.g. outdoor lighting connected to mains) — this is restricted work regulated by the Electrical Workers Registration Board
- Structural work or retaining walls over a certain height — this may require a building consent and involvement of a Licensed Building Practitioner. Always check with your local council before starting
For building consent questions, MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on what work requires consent and what falls under Schedule 1 exemptions.
When to Call a Professional
For any landscaping job beyond basic garden maintenance — especially work involving excavation, retaining walls, drainage, irrigation, or structures — it pays to hire a qualified, insured professional. A good landscaper will carry public liability insurance, provide a written quote, and be happy to answer your questions about their credentials.
You can find insured, reputable local landscapers on tradedirectory.co.nz, where you can compare tradespeople and read reviews before making a decision.
Consumer NZ also has helpful general advice on hiring tradespeople and what your rights are if something goes wrong.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
