4 October, 2016
Council adopts Grass Verge Policy
Changes are coming for those who have their grass verge mown by Waikato District Council.
From 1 October, Council has implemented the Grass Verge Policy in urban areas (50kph) to make mowing of verges the
responsibility of the adjacent landowner.
Introducing a Grass Verge Policy brings Council into line with many of its neighbouring councils. It also gives Council
the opportunity to ring fence costs and provide consistency across the district.
The change comes after Council adopted a Grass Verge Policy last month following a period of consultation.
“Up until now, Council has maintained over 670 individual grass verges across the district, excluding the former
Franklin district. This has been at a cost of more than $100,000 per year to all rate payers. We’ve been doing this for
historical reasons and up until the Grass Verge Policy was adopted, we didn’t have a formal process in place to
determine which verges got mown and which didn’t. This approach would have seen costs increase over time,” General
Manager Service Delivery, Tim Harty says.
“By introducing this policy, Council can now consistently manage the maintenance of grass verges across the district,”
Mr Harty says.
Council is now calling for those who feel they should be exempt from mowing their verge by way of age, illness or
condition of grass verge to apply for an exemption by 28 October. Those who do qualify will have their verge mown at
least four times per year.
To apply to be exempt from Council’s Grass Verge Policy, visit the Council website, a Council office or fill in the form
which will be sent to you shortly.