Close approach consent
If you plan to work near our overhead or underground network, you may require a close approach consent to ensure the work is conducted safely, and to avoid any costly damage.
For safety reasons and to comply with NZECP 34, you need a Close Approach Consent if you intend to:
- Work within 4m of overhead lines
- Excavating within 5m of a power pole or within 12m of a tower or pylon
- Excavate within 2m of strategic gas mains
To help you find out if you require a close approach consent, request our reference maps showing the approximate location of our underground electricity and fibre cables, and our gas pipes. The maps will indicate whether strategic gas mains are present.
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Important Notice : Digging/Excavating around our cables
From 22 April 2026, Vector will be introducing a fee for standard stand-over services identified through the B4UDIG process. A maximum fee of $506 (including GST) will apply to all standard stand-over services triggered by your B4UDIG inquiry.
This fee is charged upon the initiation of the service to cover the costs of the initial site-based assessment. Following this assessment and consultation with the requester, Vector will determine the necessary level of ongoing onsite support. Any further required support identified during this process will continue to be provided at no additional cost.
Responsibilities
What you do:
- Request reference maps
- Read our guide for working safely around Vector’s networks
- Read our building near our overhead lines guide
- Read our gas pipeline safety guide
- Apply for consent with 2 full days of notice
- Do not start work before you get the consent
Process
Request | Call 0508 832 867 to request a consent at least 2 full days before you need it. | |
Review | We will review your request and contact you if we believe you need:
in addition to your consent. | |
Appointment | We will then schedule an appointment to visit your work site. | |
Consent | We will issue the close approach consent to the site supervisor. |
Before you apply
Information required when you apply:
- Details of where you are working
- The type of work you are doing
- The proximity of poles and network lines
- The start time and duration of the work
FAQs
A Vector stand-over may be required by you if any strategic electrical cables and/or gas pipes are shown on the maps you have requested. If any strategic electrical cables and/or gas pipes are shown on the maps you have received, you must contact Vector on 0508 832 867 to determine whether onsite advice and/or a standover will be provided, and to arrange if required.
Close approach consents will be valid for 28 days from the date of issue.
Unless circumstances indicate otherwise, close approach consents will be issued to the site supervisor or work team supervisor. It is expected that the site supervisor or work team supervisor ensures that the details of the issued consent are fully communicated, fully understood and accepted by everyone who works on the site to which the consent applies, including subcontractors and digger operators.