Arborists and tree jobs in Otago

Dunedin and the rest of Otago

Dunedin has its own page. Jobs from Queenstown, Wānaka, Alexandra, Cromwell or Ōamaru go through the same form.

Dunedin's scheduled trees

Dunedin City Council's Second Generation District Plan (2GP) was made fully operative on 17 June 2026, and it has a Scheduled Trees section. We couldn't read the operative rules themselves.

The council's September 2015 report on the proposed plan described what a listing meant. Resource consent was needed to remove the tree, to prune it with anything other than hand-operated pruning shears or secateurs, or to build or do earthworks within its drip-line. Check the current wording with the district plan team, and see our Dunedin tree rules page. Other Otago councils run their own plans.

Aurora's tree rules

Aurora says the first trim it pays for doesn't cover private service lines, or trees planted after the line was installed. The service line connecting your property to the network is your responsibility.

Inside 4 m of a network line, trimming is for approved utility arborists only. Aurora's approved tree contractors are Asplundh in Dunedin and Delta in Central Otago, Wānaka and Queenstown Lakes. Not complying with a cut or trim notice can bring a fine of up to $10,000, plus up to $500 for every day the offence continues.

Olive trees in Central Otago

Olives New Zealand lists Central Otago among the places olives are grown, and says commercial trees are usually pruned in spring. That opens the canopy for airflow and sunlight. A backyard olive is small pruning you can often do from the ground with hand tools; fruit tree pruning covers when to call someone.