New Zealand Neighbour Law: Fences, Noise, Dogs, Trees

Disputes between neighbours over a shared fence, a noisy party, a wandering dog, or an overhanging tree are among the most common legal questions, and New Zealand has specific rules for each. This section links to a guide on each.

This is general information about New Zealand law, not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or your local Community Law centre.

Neighbour law guides

This section covers sharing the cost of a boundary fence under the Fencing Act 1978, dealing with excessive noise through your council, the Dog Control Act rules on registration and dangerous dogs, and overhanging trees and branches. For the wider picture, see the New Zealand law guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact about a neighbour dispute in New Zealand?

It depends on the issue. Excessive noise and dog control are handled by your local council, a boundary-fence cost dispute follows the Fencing Act 1978 notice process and can go to the Disputes Tribunal, and a serious tree problem can go to the District Court under the Property Law Act 2007. Each guide links to the right starting point, and a lawyer or Community Law centre can advise on your own situation.