Travelling with an unusually tall load on your vehicle can be dangerous, as there's potential to hit overhead power lines and other objects.
You must apply for a Close Approach Consent - For High Loads (a High Load Permit) if you plan to transport any load taller than 4.75m, such as a house or a boat, near our overhead network.
To apply for a High Load Permit, download and complete the form below and email it to our service provider, Northpower, at WEDispatch@northpower.com. If you have any problems, please phone the team on 04 912 2191.
By submitting a request for a High Load Permit, you:
- acknowledge that any issued High Load Permit is only valid for the date and time stated
- agree to abide by the directions of Wellington Electricity representatives during transportation
- acknowledge that you are responsible for liaising with any other overhead obstruction owners along the proposed route and for ensuring that the load is legally compliant
- accept that the haulage operator shall be liable for the cost of any damage caused to Wellington Electricity's lines or equipment during transportation, where they have failed to follow the conditions of the High Load Permit
- understand that issuance of a High Load Permit is subject to the indicative costs and timeframes listed below:
Load height (m) |
Minimum notice required |
Chargeable |
4.75 - 5.39 |
2 working days |
No |
5.40 - 5.49 |
5 working days |
No |
5.50 - 5.99 |
5 working days |
Yes |
6.0+ |
20 working days |
Yes |
Please note that the above table is provided for reference purposes only. Depending on escort requirements, timings, and the extent of any work required (including potential power outages) by us, further costs or timeframes may apply. If this is the case, Northpower will advise you on our behalf and provide an estimate for your acceptance.
Other overhead obstruction owners
You are responsible for liaising with other overhead line owners such as One NZ, Chorus, KiwiRail, Transpower and local councils. The following is a list of useful contacts, but please be aware that this list is not exhaustive and there might be other overhead obstruction owners who are impacted:
- One NZ: accessnetworkengineers@one.nz
- Chorus: 0800 822 003 | npg@chorus.co.nz / online
- KiwiRail: 04 474 2323 | crossingpermits@kiwirail.co.nz / online
- Transpower: 04 231 3186 | stephen.howard@ventia.com
- Local councils
You are also responsible for ensuring that your load is legally compliant. Find out more on New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi)'s website, or contact the NZTA Overdimension Permit Issuing Agency on 0800 683 774 or at hpmvinfo@nzta.govt.nz.
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