Whangarei District Council

I submitted a request on 15 April regarding a massive tree that’s been damaging my property. Since then, I’ve called 5 times, sent 2 emails, and still haven’t received any response. I feel completely ignored while the situation gets worse new cracks are appearing on my walls, clearly caused by the tree roots growing under the house foundation. How much longer do I have to wait for action? This is serious damage to my home, and I need someone to take responsibility and provide a solution urgently.

I raised a request with WDC on 12/02/24 regarding some low overhanging trees over the road, on a corner opposite (Carpark 7) in Hospital Road. There are yellow no parking lines on the corner but cars frequently park there regardless of the yellow lines and restricted visibility. WDC emailed a Request Acknowledgement and a Tracking Number (TRE242723.IEN) on the same day. WDC response was fast and professional and the trees were cut back about a week later.

UPDATE Isn't it ironic, or more probably disingenuous,  that the placement of this pole is in direct contravention of 4.4.8 of Northpower's own Overhead Line Design Standard and they seem not to adhere to that part quoted next in that :- "Poles being replaced that are in a potentially hazardous location and/or have either been hit by vehicles (particularly if hit more than once) should be moved to a safer location if possible. " This pole was replaced as is evidenced that it is newer than the other poles on this street. This pole has and continues to be hit regularly by vehicles. Circa 1985 to 1990 (but the pole and their records will have a more accurate timing) my father in law asked the workers replacing it to move it as it was a vehicle hazard and  to which they refused. Northpower was founded in 1920. Again I will say, neither the Council who own the berm upon which this pole is placed and Northpower who own the pole infrastructure are blindly disregarding the principals of natural justice and in Northpowers case their own policy and in the WDCs case their own responsibilities by approving a building plan with driveway included when a pole had already been placed inside the continuation of the boundary line so approved. Lest we not forget the whole picture that this driveway exit is right near a challenging set of roads and intersection nearby which adds to the challenges of exiting this and other properties nearby but in the case of this address exacerbated by this pole. For the last two years or more I have been trying to assist my late father in law and current brother in law who live in the Raumanga Valley Area Whangārei to have a stupidly placed pole shifted. Neither Northpower nor The Whangārei District Council accept responsibility for it's ludicrous placement. To date they have refused to engage to remedy this. Flat refusal. This pole sits on the council berm inside the continuation line of the residents boundary by about 600 to 700mm requiring vehicular access and exit to turn to avoid hitting it. Its plain dangerous and vehicles hit it..another one this week. In my view it's the only pole that is placed like this in NZ apart from those prank ones seen of late. Northpower are the latest in a list of supply outfits to own this pole. Cheekily it's been suggested that the resident apply for and pay to move this pole. That is NOT going to happen for an irregular and inconvenient placement that the residents of this house had no hand in. The land and placement of this driveway was approved back in 1960/2 by council ( or borough) according to land records. They say they are not responsible . I disagree.

It’s important to acknowledge amazing service and attention to detail! I’d like to thank Raivyn for all her support today, this lady is a customer service superstar, she is patient, attentive and knowledgeable. I called with an incredibly complex query regarding building consents and titles and within a very short time frame Raivyn helped me address my problem and got the information I needed. Thank you Raivyn, whangarei council are lucky to have you!!

What a great council - Excellent service and friendly staff. We first arrived here by boat 18 years ago and we have been amazed at how much the town has improved and developed since then. The council has been the main driving force behind that. The new Hundertwasser museum will make the town even better!