Berms have been making headlines lately, sparking questions like – who’s responsible for them, and why can’t we plant fruit trees?
TVNZ’s Seven Sharp team interviewed Lane Neave Partner and property expert Jaxon Grieve recently to cut through the confusion and find out what’s permissible.
Jaxon clarifies that councils own the berms, making them responsible for the grass verges. However, most councils rely on the goodwill of residents when it comes to keeping them looking sharp.
“Most take it upon themselves to maintain their berm, but it’s not a legal requirement,” he says.
“The Council owns the berm… but the berms form part of the road corridor and reserves that forms part of the Council’s infrastructure assets. So that’s their problem.”
The interview also covers health and safety issues when maintaining berms, parking on them, plus how far you can go when it comes to sprucing up your berm. Jaxon explains that permission is always required, with different councils agreeing to different degrees of renovation.
“Some councils support a light renovation or a small spruce up as long as they don’t pose any safety risks with line of sight or underground services and things like that.”
