Hiring a fencer is a straightforward job on the surface, but if something goes wrong — a post damages an underground pipe, a worker is injured on your lawn, or a fence falls and hurts someone — the right insurance makes all the difference. A reputable professional fencer in New Zealand should carry adequate insurance before setting foot on your property, and it's perfectly reasonable to ask for proof before work begins.
Why Insurance Matters for Fencing Work
Fencing might seem low-risk compared to electrical or plumbing work, but the reality is that fencers work with heavy materials, power tools, and machinery such as post-hole borers. They dig into ground that may contain buried services, and they work close to boundaries where neighbouring properties can be affected. Without proper insurance, you as the homeowner could be left financially exposed if something goes wrong.
Fencing is generally not licensed or restricted work under New Zealand law in the same way that electrical or plumbing work is — there is no mandatory registration body for fencers. This makes it even more important to check insurance yourself, since there is no licensing authority doing it on your behalf.
The Key Types of Insurance to Ask About
1. Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is the most important policy to check. It covers third-party property damage and bodily injury caused by the fencer's work. For example, if the fencer's post-hole borer strikes a water main and floods your garden, or a panel falls and damages your neighbour's car, public liability insurance covers the cost of repairs and any legal claims.
As a guide, most professional tradespeople in New Zealand carry at least $1 million in public liability cover, and many carry $2 million or more. Ask to see a current certificate of currency (a summary document from the insurer confirming the policy is active).
2. Statutory Liability Insurance
Statutory liability covers fines and legal costs arising from unintentional breaches of New Zealand statutes — for example, if a worker accidentally damages a protected tree or breaches a local bylaw. Not all small operators carry this, but it is a good sign of a professional business if they do.
3. Employers' Liability Insurance
If the fencer brings a crew or subcontractors onto your property, employers' liability insurance covers claims from workers who are injured on the job. Note that New Zealand's ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) scheme covers most personal injury claims, but employers' liability fills gaps that ACC does not — such as exemplary damages claims. If the fencer is a sole trader working alone, this is less relevant, but any business with employees or subcontractors should have it.
4. Tools and Equipment Insurance
While this protects the fencer rather than you, it is a sign of a well-run business. A fencer whose equipment is insured is less likely to cut corners or abandon a job if tools are stolen or damaged on site.
What About ACC?
All New Zealand workers and self-employed people are covered by WorkSafe NZ obligations and the ACC scheme for workplace injuries. However, ACC does not cover property damage or third-party liability — that is what public liability insurance is for. The fencer is also responsible for maintaining a safe worksite under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
How to Check a Fencer's Insurance
- Ask directly before signing any contract or paying a deposit. A professional will not hesitate to provide proof.
- Request a certificate of currency from their insurer, showing the policy type, coverage amount, and expiry date.
- Check the expiry date — an expired policy is no cover at all.
- If you are unsure whether the coverage is adequate, you can ask your own home and contents insurer for advice.
Boundary Fences and the Fencing Act
If your new fence is a boundary fence shared with a neighbour, it is worth knowing that the Fencing Act 1978 governs cost-sharing and disputes between neighbours. Your local council may also have bylaws about fence heights, particularly near roads. Always confirm with your council whether a building consent is required — most standard residential fences are exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but there are height and location limits. Check with your council to be sure.
For guidance on what constitutes compliant work, BRANZ is a useful resource for construction best practice in New Zealand.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance or refusal to provide proof of insurance
- No written quote or contract
- Requesting full payment upfront before work starts
- No New Zealand business registration or GST number
- Unusually low quotes that seem too good to be true
When to Call a Professional
Fencing near buried services (power, gas, water, telecommunications) requires care and, in some cases, a Dial Before You Dig check (contact the relevant utility locating service). If your fence project involves any electrical components — such as an electric gate motor or security lighting — that wiring work must be carried out by a registered electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Similarly, if any plumbing or drainage is affected, a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) must do that work.
For the fencing itself, hiring a qualified and insured professional gives you peace of mind and a quality result. You can find experienced local fencers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
