WEL's Easement Process

To deliver energy safely and securely to the customers in our supply area, WEL sometimes requires access to private land.

An easement is a registered legal agreement which provides WEL with the right to have and operate electricity equipment on private land, and to gain access to it for inspection, maintenance or repair.

At the same time, an easement protects landowners, ensuring WEL:

  • acknowledges ownership and responsibility for the equipment.

  • will minimise and reinstate any damage to their land.

If an easement is required, here’s how it works:

  • 1

    WEL will provide an easement agreement to the landowner which shows the route of the proposed network (reticulation) and easement area.

  • 2

    Once the easement agreement has been signed and payment for the work made, the work can be completed.

  • 3

    After installation is complete the equipment is surveyed and identified on a plan by a surveyor. The surveyor then deposits the plan with Land Information New Zealand.

  • 4

    WEL arranges for the easement instrument (for registration) to be prepared and sent to the landowner’s solicitor for signing by the landowner.

  • 5

    The easement is registered on the Record of Title to the land by the landowner’s solicitor.