Tenants and communities / Our neighbours / Fences

Fences

If your property borders our tenant’s home and you have plans for the fence-line, we will consider contributing to the cost of a new fence or an improvement to an existing fence, but you'll need to give us written notice.

Standard design specifications

The proposed fence should meet our minimum fencing specifications.

Minimum standards for neighbour-initiated fences

This information is provided for private owners who wish to erect or upgrade a fence between their property and a Kāinga Ora property.  While we do not dictate the type of fencing that is required, we do set minimum standards for longevity and safety.

Kāinga Ora prefers timber or pool-style fences, generally no higher than 1.2 metres, although other fence types will be considered if appropriate and cost-effective.

Driveway fences

To provide sight lines so drivers can see children, it is recommended that where the fence is alongside a drive or right of way, that the fence maintains sight lines to each side of the drive where it approaches the footpath. 

Lowering the height to no more than 1.2 metres or using a see through fence style such as a pool fence, will decrease the risk to children from reversing cars.

Timber fences - general

Use radiata pine H3.2 to NZS 3602, merchantable grade to NZS 3631, H4 treated for ground contact timbers.

Fences to 1.2 metres in height

  • Posts: 100mm x 75 mm, 600mm minimum, set in concrete.
  • Rails: Two rails each 100mm x 50mm across the face of the posts.  Rails to be fixed at each post with one 12mm galvanised coach bolt with washer passing through a halving joint. Rails to be edge fixed.
  • All palings to be 50mm off the ground.

Fences to 1.8 metres in height

  • Posts: 100mm x 100mm, 700mm minimum in concrete.
  • Rails: Three rails each 100mm x 50mm across the face of the posts.  Rails to be fixed at each post with one 12mm galvanised coach bolt with washer passing through a halving joint. Rails to be edge fixed.
  • All palings to be 50mm off the ground. 

Pool-style fences - general

  • All steel components to be hot dip galvanised after fabrication.  Electro galvanising or pre-galvanising is not permitted.
  • No sharp tops or spikes to be used on panels.
  • Fixings to be stainless steel.
  • Post to be hot dipped galvanised or timber as for timber fence.
  • Any sheet metal clad fences with a sharp top must have a securely fastened U flashing inverted over the top edge to prevent injury.

Masonry fences

Masonry fences must be constructed on a continuous reinforced concrete foundation compliant with the Building Code. The foundation must be capable of preventing any rotation in the fence for the intended life of the fence.

What you need to provide to Kāinga Ora

You will need to provide the following details to us:

  • your name and contact details.
  • your address and the address of the Kāinga Ora property
  • a diagram showing the boundary line/parts of the boundary line that you plan to replace or erect a new fence on.
  • the type of fence that you intend to build (including how long and high, the materials to be used and the footing details)
  • what the fence will cost and whether you want Kāinga Ora to contribute and, if so, how much
  • two quotes for the fencing work you want to have done.

When you have collected this information you can:

Once we receive your notice we will come and have a look at where you propose putting the fence. If we agree with the details of your notice, we will send you an acceptance letter within 21 working days. Otherwise, we will contact you to discuss your notice and any alternative options.

Page updated: 5 July 2023