Auckland Transport owns and is legally responsible for repairing public footpaths and grass berms in the road reserve, including the strip outside your property.

Auckland Council asks homeowners to mow the berm as part of general property upkeep, but that's a request, not a legal obligation, and it doesn't shift responsibility for actual damage or repairs.

Who's responsible for what

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Footpath ownership

The footpath and berm sit on the road reserve, which is public land, even though they run alongside your property. Auckland Transport maintains public footpaths to keep them safe for pedestrians.

Berm repairs

Auckland Transport is responsible for repairing damaged grass berms and verges, even though the berm looks and functions like part of your front yard.

Mowing isn't repair liability

Auckland Council asks property owners to mow the berm as routine upkeep, but that's a request, not a legal obligation, and doesn't shift responsibility for actual damage.

When you are responsible

If work on your property damages the footpath or berm, for example excavation for a new crossing, you're responsible for reinstating it to Auckland Transport's standard.

How to report damage

Contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or lodge a request online, and it gets forwarded to Auckland Transport for action.

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Getting footpath reinstatement done properly

Where a new driveway or vehicle crossing requires footpath reinstatement, we handle the Auckland Transport approval and match the surrounding surface and levels so the repair doesn't stand out. See our guide to driveway and vehicle crossing consent for how the two processes fit together.

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Need footpath or berm work done properly?

Book a free, no-obligation quote and we'll scope the footpath work alongside the rest of your project, handling the Auckland Transport approval for you.

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FAQ

Who is responsible for footpath repairs in Auckland, the council or the homeowner?

Auckland Transport owns and is responsible for repairing public footpaths in the road reserve. Homeowners aren't liable for general wear or damage to the footpath outside their property unless they or their contractor caused it directly.

Do I have to mow the berm outside my house?

Auckland Council asks property owners to mow the berm as part of routine property upkeep, but this is a request rather than a legal requirement. The berm remains council-owned land and Auckland Transport is legally responsible for repairing any actual damage to it.

Who fixes a damaged berm in Auckland?

Auckland Transport is responsible for repairing damaged grass berms and verges, since they sit within the road reserve. You can report damage to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or online and it will be passed to Auckland Transport.

Am I responsible if my driveway works damage the footpath?

Yes. If excavation, machinery or a new vehicle crossing damages the footpath or berm, you're responsible for reinstating it to Auckland Transport's standard, and the work needs Auckland Transport approval before it starts.

How do I report a damaged footpath in Auckland?

Contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or submit a request through their website. The report is forwarded to Auckland Transport, which owns and maintains public footpaths across the region.

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