Getting your site ready before the earthmover rolls in is one of the best things you can do to keep your project on time and on budget. A well-prepared site means the operator can get straight to work rather than spending the first hours (and your money) sorting out avoidable problems. Here's a practical guide for NZ homeowners on what to do before earthmoving begins.
Check Whether You Need a Building Consent
Before any dirt moves, confirm whether your project needs a building consent or resource consent from your local council. In New Zealand, some earthworks are exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, but this depends on the volume of material, proximity to boundaries, and your district plan rules. Always check with your council first — don't assume your job is exempt. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on consent requirements. Your earthmoving contractor may also have experience with local council requirements and can advise you.
Locate Underground Services
This is arguably the most critical step. Striking a buried power cable, gas line, water main, or telecommunications conduit can be dangerous, costly, and cause major delays. Before any digging:
- Contact Dial Before You Dig (0800 248 344 or dialbeforeyoudig.co.nz) to request a service location plan for your property.
- Share the plans with your earthmover so they know exactly where services run.
- Consider hiring a cable and pipe locating service for added certainty, especially on older properties where records may be incomplete.
- Mark any known services on the ground with spray paint or flags.
WorkSafe NZ provides clear guidance on safe excavation near underground services — striking a live cable or gas line is a serious safety hazard.
Clear the Work Area
Your earthmover needs clear, unobstructed access to the dig site. Before they arrive:
- Remove vehicles, trailers, and equipment from the work zone and access routes.
- Clear away garden furniture, pot plants, children's play equipment, and any loose items that could be damaged or become a hazard.
- Cut back overhanging branches or shrubs that could obstruct the machine's boom or cab.
- Remove fencing panels or gates that block access, and store them safely.
- If there's a letterbox, garden wall, or other structure near the access route, flag it clearly so the operator is aware.
Plan and Mark the Access Route
Earthmoving machines are heavy — a small excavator can weigh 1.5 to 8 tonnes or more, and larger machines significantly more. Think carefully about how the machine will get onto your property:
- Check the ground condition of driveways, lawns, and paths. Wet or soft ground can cause tracked or wheeled machines to sink or cause damage.
- Lay temporary ground protection mats (available from hire companies) over soft lawns or paved areas if needed.
- Measure gate widths and confirm they're wide enough — discuss machine dimensions with your contractor beforehand.
- Identify where the machine will park or stage between tasks.
Arrange Spoil Removal or Stockpile Areas
Excavated soil (spoil) has to go somewhere. Discuss this with your contractor in advance:
- Decide whether spoil will be removed from site (factor in truck access and disposal costs) or stockpiled on site for later use as fill or landscaping.
- Designate a clear stockpile area away from drains, boundaries, and areas where it could cause a nuisance.
- Check your council's rules around disposing of or transporting fill material — some councils have specific requirements, particularly if the soil may be contaminated.
Protect Existing Features You Want to Keep
- Mark trees, garden beds, and lawn areas you want protected with temporary fencing or brightly coloured tape.
- Identify and clearly mark any existing drainage, irrigation lines, or in-ground assets like septic tanks or soakage fields.
- Discuss protection measures with your contractor — a good operator will want to know what to avoid.
Prepare a Clear Brief for Your Contractor
The more information your earthmover has before they start, the more efficiently they can work. Prepare:
- A simple site plan or sketch showing the work area, access route, spoil area, and any hazards.
- Details of the scope of work — cut depths, finished levels, any specific grading requirements.
- Contact details for neighbours if access crosses shared boundaries.
- Any geotechnical or soil reports you have — these are especially useful for larger projects and may be required under the NZ Building Code.
Notify Neighbours
Earthmoving is noisy and can generate dust and vibration. It's good practice (and sometimes required by your council) to let neighbours know work is starting, expected hours, and roughly how long it will take. This avoids complaints and keeps relationships neighbourly.
When to Call a Professional
For anything beyond minor garden landscaping, it's strongly recommended to engage a qualified earthmoving contractor. Larger earthworks near boundaries, retaining walls over 1.5 metres, or work near waterways may require input from a geotechnical engineer or a Licensed Building Practitioner. If your project involves changes to stormwater or drainage, you may also need a licensed drainlayer — check with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. You can find qualified local earthmoving contractors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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