Monday, 14 October 2013 09:33

Power line rights overlooked

Written by 

FEDERATED FARMERS is helping farmers understand their rights when it comes to electricity lines on their property.

"At this time of year maintenance activity increases on power lines, and the Federation is finding that some farmers are being approached by lines companies for easements to help development across their properties, which is triggering a number of concerns for landowners," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Electricity spokesperson.

"We have been receiving calls to Federated Farmers' advice line about electricity and distribution lines over farms. What is not being addressed is that these assets belong to someone else and can give rise to many farm management concerns.

"It is important that farmers feel some comfort by having a role in the process from the start. Farmers are becoming increasingly vigilant around access to their properties, and the impact of electricity lines is becoming more significant as farm businesses develop around them.

"An important component of Federated Farmers' work is providing members with advice and guidance and clarifying their rights and obligations around access to the electricity lines. To do this we have produced a series of fact sheets on access rights, upgrades, easements and the role of the public works act in developing new lines.

"These fact sheets provide answers to the major questions asked by members and offer some certainty as to the facts and rules related to electricity lines. I would encourage farmers with lines on their land to obtain copies to avoid any unnecessary confusion," says Leferink.

More like this

Rural backlash over plan to cut police staffing

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.

Editorial: Getting RMA settings right

OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.

Farmers back Government pause on RMA plan changes

There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's move to put the brakes on local authorities to do any more work on planning changes ahead of major changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Featured

Rural backlash over plan to cut police staffing

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.

DairyNZ thanks farm staff

August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.

Editorial: Getting RMA settings right

OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly…

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter