Electricity Act 1992 No 122 (as at 20 June 2011), Public Act

Reprint
as at 20 June 2011

Coat of Arms of New Zealand

Electricity Act 1992

Public Act1992 No 122
Date of assent17 December 1992
Commencementsee section 1

Note

Changes authorised by section 17C of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989 have been made in this reprint.

A general outline of these changes is set out in the notes at the end of this reprint, together with other explanatory material about this reprint.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Economic Development.


Contents

Title

[Repealed]

1 Short Title and commencement

1A Purposes

Part 1
Preliminary provisions

2 Interpretation

3 Act to bind the Crown

Part 2
General

Electricity operators

4 Declaration of electricity distributors as electricity operators

4A Declaration of electricity generators as electricity operators

Functions and powers of Secretary

5 Functions of Secretary

6 Inspection of works, etc

7 Report to be compiled on inspection

8 Special powers of Secretary

9 Objections to Secretary's requirements

10 Effect of notice or requirement pending hearing

11 Procedure on hearing of objection

12 Appeal on question of law

13 Secretary may require immediate compliance

14 Appeal against decision on application for injunction

15 Assessors

16 Notification of accidents

16A Transfer of accident information

17 Interference with scene of accident

18 Inquiries into accidents

19 Assistance to Secretary

20 Obstructing Secretary

21 Privilege against self-incrimination

Part 3
Powers and duties of electricity operators and other owners of electrical works

22 Protection of existing works

22A Owners of land not responsible for maintenance

23 Rights of entry in respect of existing works

23A Line owner must give written notice of intention to maintain or complete existing works

23B Line owner must give notice of intention to inspect or operate existing works

23C Notice in emergencies

23D Land owner may set reasonable conditions on line owner's entry

23E Agreements preserved

23F Disputes about land access

24 Construction or maintenance of works on roads

24A Criteria for setting reasonable conditions

25 Notice to be given before work undertaken

26 Offence

27 Appeals in relation to conditions imposed

28 Determination of appeals

29 Appeal on question of law

30 Charging for access to road reserve

31 Rights of entry in respect of level crossings

32 Local authority, etc, may require works to be moved

33 Cost of work required under section 32

34 Government Roading Powers Act 1989 not to apply

35 Owners and occupiers of private land may move works

Part 4
Electrical codes of practice

36 Issue of electrical code of practice

37 Code may incorporate official standards by reference

38 Code to be approved by Minister

39 Availability of codes

40 Emergency amendment of code

41 Citation of code

42 Proof of code

43 Codes promulgated under Electricity Act 1968

43A Different Ministries responsible for different codes

Part 5
Rural electrical reticulation

[Repealed]

44 Rural Electrical Reticulation Council [Repealed]

45 Functions of Council [Repealed]

46 Council to comply with government policies [Repealed]

47 Further provisions applying to Council [Repealed]

48 Levies [Repealed]

49 Interest on levies [Repealed]

50 Application of levies [Repealed]

51 Transitional provision relating to subsidies [Repealed]

52 Transitional provision relating to membership of Council [Repealed]

53 Council to wind up operations before dissolution [Repealed]

54 Dissolution of Council [Repealed]

55 Expiration of provisions relating to Council [Repealed]

56 Consequential amendment to Official Information Act 1982 [Repealed]

Part 6
Miscellaneous provisions relating to supply of electricity

57 Compensation for damage

58 Compensation for trees and vegetation removed

59 Returns relating to construction of works, etc

60 Standards for electricity supply

61 Safety requirements

61A Electricity generators and electricity distributors must have safety management systems

62 Continuance of supply [Repealed]

Part 6A
Restriction on new fossil-fuelled thermal electricity generating capacity

[Repealed]

Preliminary provisions

62A Purpose of this Part [Repealed]

62B Expiry of this Part [Repealed]

62C Interpretation [Repealed]

Restriction on connection and operation of specified generation plant

62D Restriction on connection and operation of specified generation plant [Repealed]

62E Additional penalty for breach involving commercial gain [Repealed]

Exemptions

62F Minister of Energy may grant exemption [Repealed]

62G Minister of Energy may only grant exemption if satisfied of certain matters [Repealed]

62H Grounds and terms and conditions of exemption [Repealed]

62I Public consultation on recommendations [Repealed]

62J Publication of exemption and reasons [Repealed]

62K Revocation of exemption [Repealed]

62L Commission may grant temporary emergency exemption [Repealed]

Enforcement

62M Commission must monitor compliance [Repealed]

Commission may use information collected or provided under regulations or rules

62N Commission may use information collected or provided under regulations or rules [Repealed]

Regulations

62O Regulations for purposes of this Part [Repealed]

Part 7
Price restraint

[Repealed]

63 Regulations relating to price of electricity [Repealed]

64 Definition of domestic premises [Repealed]

65 Offences [Repealed]

66 Other Acts relating to price control not affected [Repealed]

67 Expiry of this Part [Repealed]

Part 8
Licensing of electricity suppliers

[Repealed]

68 Definition of consumer for purposes of this Part [Repealed]

69 Licence to supply electricity [Repealed]

70 Offence [Repealed]

71 Supply of electricity to consumers outside supply area [Repealed]

72 Duty to supply [Repealed]

73 Expiry of this Part [Repealed]

Part 9
Restrictions on electrical work

74 Restrictions on doing or assisting with prescribed electrical work

Exemptions

75 Board may exempt person or class of persons from section 74

76 Exemption for work done under supervision

77 Exemption for trainees

78 Board may issue limited certificate for purposes of section 77

79 Exemption for domestic electrical wiring work

80 Exemption for maintenance of domestic appliances

Board may cancel application of exemption

81 Board may cancel application of exemption to any person

Testing, certification, and inspection

82 Testing, certification, and inspection

83 Power of entry

Part 10
Registration and licensing of electrical workers and employer licences

Subpart 1Electrical worker registration and licensing

Classes of registration

84 Classes of registration may be designated by Board

85 Board may prescribe other registration and licensing matters

86 Minimum standards for registration

87 Principles guiding prescribing of registration and licensing matters

88 Board must consult before publishing notices

89 Notices published under sections 84 and 85 must be approved by Minister

90 Other provisions relating to notices under sections 84 and 85

How to become registered

91 Entitlement to registration

92 Applications for registration

93 Board may issue provisional licence pending consideration of application

94 Duration of provisional licence

95 Board to consider application

96 Board to register applicant or decline application

97 Registration subject to terms and conditions

How to become licensed

98 Practising licence required

99 Entitlement to practising licence

100 Applications for practising licence

101 Board to consider application

102 Board to issue practising licence or decline application

103 Practising licence subject to terms and conditions

Duration and renewal of practising licence

104 Duration of practising licence

105 Applications for renewal of practising licence

106 Renewal of practising licence

Exemptions from registration and practising licence requirements and conditions

107 Board may grant exemptions from registration and practising licence requirements and conditions

Competence

108 Competence programmes

109 Unsatisfactory results of competence programme

Cancellation and suspension

110 Cancellation and suspension generally

111 Effect of suspension

112 Board may cancel registration or licence if obtained wrongfully

113 Cancellation or suspension of overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence

Miscellaneous provision

114 Board may delegate power to Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board to act under this subpart

Subpart 2Employer licences

115 Employer licence

116 Requirements treated as satisfied if person obtains certification from approved person

117 Prescribed electrical work may be done under employer licence

118 Duration of employer licence

119 Renewal of employer licence

120 Cancellation, suspension, and other actions in relation to employer licences

121 Board must give employer licence holder reasonable opportunity to be heard

122 Miscellaneous provisions concerning actions under section 120

123 Powers of inspection

Subpart 3Register of electrical workers

124 Register of electrical workers

125 Registrar must enter matters in register

126 Purpose of register

127 Form of register

128 Matters to be contained in register

129 Historical registration and licence information and documentation to be included in register

130 Duty to notify change of address

131 Duty to notify change of name

132 Revision of register

133 Restoration of registration or licence

134 Board may direct Registrar to record cancellation, suspension, or order

135 Alterations to register

136 Register to be public

137 Restricting public access to information and documents on register

138 Search of register

139 Search criteria

140 Search purposes

141 When search constitutes interference with privacy of individual

Part 11
Disciplinary provisions

Preliminary provisions

142 Persons to whom this Part applies

143 Disciplinary offence

Complaints

144 Complaints

Investigations

145 Secretary must appoint investigator

146 Investigation of complaint

147 Investigator's powers

147A Secretary must supply warrant of authority

147B Duties of investigator supplied with warrant of authority

147C Restriction on entry to dwellinghouse

147D Investigator must give notice to occupier of dwellinghouse

147E Notices to supply information or documents

147F Offence to fail to comply with notice to supply information or document

Consideration of complaint by Board

147G Board must hold hearing if investigator reports that complaint should be considered by Board

147H Notice of disciplinary proceedings

Interim suspension or disqualification

147I Interim suspension or disqualification

147J Form of interim suspension or disqualification order

147K Revocation of interim suspension or disqualification

147L Board must take reasonable steps to hold hearing as soon as practicable if it makes interim suspension or disqualification order

Exercise of disciplinary powers

147M Disciplinary powers of Board

147N Costs and expenses

147O Enforcement of fines, costs, and expenses

147P Suspension, restriction, or disqualification may take effect immediately

147Q Effect of disqualification

147R Consequences of failure to comply with order to pass examination, complete competence programme, or attend course of instruction

Procedure and miscellaneous matters

147S Right to appear and be heard

147T Investigator to prosecute matter

147U Appointment of legal advisor to assist Board

147V Appointment of persons to assist investigator

147W Evidence

147X Board to have powers of commission of inquiry

147Y Orders to be in writing

147Z Publication of orders

Part 12
Appeals

147ZA Appeals

147ZB Time for lodging appeal

147ZC Procedure on appeal

147ZD Court may refer appeals back for reconsideration

147ZE Costs

147ZF Power of court to prohibit publication of person's name or affairs

147ZG Decision to continue in force pending appeal

147ZH Appeal on question of law

Part 13
Administration

Electrical Workers Registration Board

148 Electrical Workers Registration Board

149 Functions of Board

150 Membership

151 Registrar

152 Delegation of functions and powers

153 Meetings to be held in public

Complaints Assessment Committees

[Repealed]

154 Complaints Assessment Committees [Repealed]

155 Secretary to maintain list [Repealed]

General provisions

156 Rules of natural justice to be observed

156A Power to amend or revoke

156B Notice and service of documents by Board, member, Registrar, or investigator

157 Further provisions applying to Board

158 Review of operation of Act

Part 14
Miscellaneous provisions

Subpart 1General electricity matters

Financial statements of customer and community trusts

[Repealed]

158A Community and customer trusts to prepare audited financial statements [Repealed]

158B Publication of audited financial statements [Repealed]

158C Auditor of trusts [Repealed]

158D Procedures for annual meeting to appoint auditor [Repealed]

158E Auditor-General to be auditor if no other auditor appointed [Repealed]

158F Application of sections 158A to 158E [Repealed]

Complaints resolution system

[Repealed]

158G Complaints resolution system [Repealed]

Powers of entry

159 Conditions relating to power to enter land or premises

Offences

160 False declarations and representations

161 Unlicensed or unregistered person must not claim to be licensed or registered

162 Offence to engage in prescribed electrical work in breach of section 74

163 Offence to employ person to engage in prescribed electrical work in breach of section 74

163A Offence to fail to comply with condition of employer licence

163B Offence to breach requirement to have safety management system

163C Offences for actions or omissions likely to cause serious harm or significant property damage

163D Other offences

164 Directors and officers of bodies corporate

165 Time for laying information

Infringement offences

165A Infringement offences

165B Infringement notices

165C Procedural requirements for infringement notices

165D Payment of infringement fee

165E Effect of infringement notice

Miscellaneous provisions

166 Payment of fees

167 Certificate by Registrar to be evidence of various matters

168 Notices in relation to Maori land

Regulations—General

169 Regulations

169A Regulations that prescribe requirements for safety management systems

169B Miscellaneous provisions relating to regulations that prescribe requirements for safety management systems

Regulations—Information disclosure

[Repealed]

170 Regulations relating to information disclosure [Repealed]

Regulations—Consumer choice of electricity retailer

[Repealed]

170A Regulations relating to ability of consumers to choose preferred electricity retailer [Repealed]

171 Information to be supplied to Secretary [Repealed]

171A Reasonable charge may be imposed for providing copies of statements [Repealed]

172 Offences [Repealed]

Subpart 2Electricity industry regulation-making powers

[Repealed]

172A Outline of subpart [Repealed]

Regulations—Low fixed charge tariff option for domestic consumers

[Repealed]

172B Low fixed charge tariff option for domestic consumers [Repealed]

Regulations—Code on access for beneficiaries of community and customer trusts

[Repealed]

172C Regulations for code on access for beneficiaries of customer and community trusts [Repealed]

Regulations—Reserve energy

[Repealed]

172CA Reserve energy [Repealed]

Electricity governance regulations

[Repealed]

172D Electricity governance regulations [Repealed]

172E Conditions and process for recommendations on electricity governance regulations [Repealed]

172F Assessment of proposed electricity governance regulations [Repealed]

172G Process for recommendations on other electricity governance regulations [Repealed]

172H Electricity governance rules [Repealed]

172I Method of making electricity governance rules [Repealed]

Supplementary provisions

[Repealed]

172J Supplementary empowering provision for regulations and rules [Repealed]

172K Supplementary empowering provision for regulations [Repealed]

Provisions that apply if electricity governance regulations or rules are in force

[Repealed]

172KA Transmission agreements [Repealed]

172KB Party must co-operate with investigations [Repealed]

172KC Privileges protected [Repealed]

172KD Limits on investigation powers [Repealed]

172KE Rulings Panel may make certain orders [Repealed]

172KF Restriction of remedies [Repealed]

172KG Limit on tort claims against service providers [Repealed]

Appeals

[Repealed]

172KH Appeals on ground of lack of jurisdiction [Repealed]

172KI Judicial review not precluded [Repealed]

172KJ Appeals on question of law in relation to decisions by Commission or Rulings Panel [Repealed]

172KK Right of appeal against suspension or termination orders [Repealed]

172KL Persons entitled to appeal [Repealed]

172KM Determination of appeals [Repealed]

172KN High Court may refer appeals back to Commission or Rulings Panel for reconsideration [Repealed]

172KO Provisions pending determination of appeal [Repealed]

172KP High Court may order proceedings be heard in private [Repealed]

172KQ Appeal to Court of Appeal in certain cases [Repealed]

Part 15
Governance of electricity industry

[Repealed]

Preliminary provisions

[Repealed]

172L Purpose [Repealed]

Subpart 1Electricity Governance Board

[Repealed]

172M Continuation of Commission [Repealed]

172N Principal objectives and specific outcomes [Repealed]

172O Functions of Commission [Repealed]

172P Body corporate status and powers [Repealed]

172Q Role of board of the Commission [Repealed]

172R Membership of the Commission's board [Repealed]

Duties of members

[Repealed]

172S Duties of members [Repealed]

172T Collective duties of the Commission's board [Repealed]

172U Members accountable to Minister [Repealed]

172V Notice of special meetings of Commission's board [Repealed]

Role of the Commission in relation to electricity governance regulations and rules

[Repealed]

172W EGB to make recommendations concerning electricity governance regulations and rules [Repealed]

172X Objectives of recommendations [Repealed]

172Y Obligation to consult [Repealed]

172Z Minister must have regard to recommendations [Repealed]

Power to direct EGB

[Repealed]

172ZA Power to direct EGB [Repealed]

172ZB Procedure for giving direction [Repealed]

Levy of industry participants

[Repealed]

172ZC Levy of industry participants [Repealed]

172ZCA Commission must consult about request for appropriation [Repealed]

Miscellaneous

[Repealed]

172ZD Accountability of the Commission [Repealed]

172ZE Regulations [Repealed]

172ZF The Commission is public authority [Repealed]

172ZG Amendment to Ombudsmen Act 1975 [Repealed]

172ZH Amendment to Public Finance Act 1989 [Repealed]

Subpart 2Accountability of Electricity Commission

172ZI Application of subpart [Repealed]

172ZJ Interpretation [Repealed]

172ZK Setting of GPS objectives and outcomes [Repealed]

172ZL Annual performance standards [Repealed]

172ZM Additional information to be included in annual report [Repealed]

172ZN Minister must present annual performance report to House of Representatives [Repealed]

172ZO Assurance audit by Auditor-General [Repealed]

172ZP Report by Parliamentary Commissioner for Environment [Repealed]

172ZQ Functions under this subpart [Repealed]

Subpart 3Miscellaneous provisions

172ZR Specific authorisation for purposes of restrictive trade practices rules [Repealed]

Part 16
Repeals, etc, and transitional provisions

Repeals, revocations, amendments, and savings

173 Repeals, revocations, and consequential amendments

174 Regulations deemed to have been made under this Act

175 Savings

176 Application of Clutha Development (Clyde Dam) Empowering Act 1982 [Repealed]

177 Middle line Proclamation relating to Hairini-Mount Maunganui transmission line [Repealed]

Amendment to Electricity Act 1968

178 Rights of entry for energy companies

Amendment to Electrical Registration Act 1979

179 Certificate of compliance where prescribed electrical work covered by building consent

Transitional provisions

180 Transitional provision relating to electricity agreements

181 Electricity distributors to ensure provision of inspection services

182 Transitional provisions relating to proceedings, etc

Schedule 1
Provisions applying in respect of Rural Electrical Reticulation Council

[Repealed]

Schedule 2
Provisions applying in respect of Electrical Workers Registration Board

Schedule 2A
Further provisions for the Commission and the Commission's Board

[Repealed]

Schedule 3
Enactments repealed

Schedule 4
Enactments amended

Schedule 5
Regulations and orders revoked

Schedule 6
Regulations deemed to have been made pursuant to section 169


[Repealed]

Title

  • Title: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 4 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

1 Short Title and commencement
1A Purposes
  • The purposes of this Act are—

    • (a) to provide for the regulation, supply, and use of electricity in New Zealand; and

    • (b) [Repealed]

    • (c) to protect the health and safety of members of the public in connection with the supply and use of electricity in New Zealand; and

    • (d) to promote the prevention of damage to property in connection with the supply and use of electricity in New Zealand; and

    • (da) to provide for the regulation of fittings and electrical appliances that are, or may be, exported pursuant to an international trade instrument; and

    • (e) to provide for the regulation of electrical workers.

    Section 1A: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 5 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 1A(b): repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 161 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Part 1
Preliminary provisions

2 Interpretation
  • (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

    all practicable steps, in relation to achieving any result in any circumstances, means all steps to achieve the result that it is reasonably practicable to take in the circumstances, having regard to—

    • (a) the nature and severity of the serious harm or significant property damage that may be suffered if the result is not achieved; and

    • (b) the current state of knowledge about the likelihood that harm or damage of that nature and severity will be suffered if the result is not achieved; and

    • (c) the current state of knowledge about harm or damage of that nature; and

    • (d) the current state of knowledge about the means available to achieve the result, and about the likely efficacy of each of those means; and

    • (e) the availability and cost of each of those means

    applicable minimum standards for registration means the minimum standards for registration that—

    • (a) apply in relation to the relevant class of registration; and

    approved means approved by the Board

    associated equipment means any equipment that is used, or designed or intended for use, in connection with any works or electrical installation, where such use is for construction, maintenance, or safety purposes and not for purposes that relate directly to the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance, or use of electricity

    Board means the Electrical Workers Registration Board established by section 148

    condition includes a restriction or limit

    connectable installation, in relation to a vehicle, a relocatable building, or a pleasure vessel, means an electrical installation of that vehicle, relocatable building, or pleasure vessel that is designed or intended for, or capable of, connection to an external power supply that operates at or above such voltage as is prescribed for the purposes of this definition by regulations made under section 169; and includes any electrical appliance that is connected, or intended to be connected, to any such installation

    construct includes to erect, to lay, and to place; and construction has a corresponding meaning

    consumer

    • (a) means any person who is supplied, or who applies to be supplied, with electricity; but

    • (b) does not include any electricity generator or any electricity distributor or electricity retailer, except where the electricity generator or, as the case may be, the electricity distributor or electricity retailer is supplied, or applies to be supplied, with electricity for its own consumption and not for the purposes of resupply to any other person

    corporation means a State enterprise within the meaning of section 2 of the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 that is a generator of electricity and includes any subsidiary of any such State enterprise

    document has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Official Information Act 1982

    dwellinghouse means any building or part of a building occupied as a separate dwelling; but does not include a meter box or meter located on the exterior of the building or the part of the building

    electrical appliance means any appliance that uses, or is designed or intended to use, electricity, whether or not it also uses, or is designed or intended to use, any other form of energy

    electrical code of practice or code means an electrical code of practice issued pursuant to section 36

    electrical installation

    • (a) means—

      • (i) in relation to a property with a point of supply, all fittings beyond the point of supply that form part of a system that is used to convey electricity to a point of consumption, or used to generate or store electricity; and

      • (ii) in relation to a property without a point of supply, all fittings that form part of a system that is used to convey electricity to a point of consumption, or used to generate or store electricity; but

    • (b) does not include any of the following:

      • (i) an electrical appliance:

      • (ii) any fittings that are owned or operated by an electricity generator and that are used, designed, or intended for use in or in association with the generation of electricity, or used to convey electricity from a source of generation to distribution or transmission lines:

      • (iii) any fittings that are used, designed, or intended for use in or in association with the conversion, transformation, or conveyance of electricity by distribution or transmission lines

    electrical wiring work means prescribed electrical work that consists of any of the following work:

    • (a) the installation or maintenance of electrical wiring:

    • (b) the connection or disconnection of fittings to or from electrical wiring

    electricity distributor means a person who supplies line function services to any other person or persons

    electricity generator means any person who owns or operates a generator connected to distribution or transmission lines

    electricity operator means—

    • (a) any body or person that, immediately before 1 April 1993, was the holder of a licence issued under section 20 of the Electricity Act 1968 and in force immediately before that date; and

    • (b) any person declared under section 4 or section 4A to be an electricity operator for the purposes of this Act or any provision or provisions of this Act

    electricity retailer means a person who supplies electricity to another person or other persons for any purpose other than for resupply by the other person or persons

    employer licence means an employer licence issued under section 115

    existing works,—

    • (a) in relation to works owned by the Corporation, means any works constructed before 1 January 1988; and includes any works that were wholly or partly in existence, or work on the construction of which commenced, before 1 January 1988:

    • (b) in relation to works owned by any other person, means any works constructed before 1 January 1993; and includes any works that were wholly or partly in existence, or work on the construction of which commenced, before 1 January 1993

    fire brigade has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Fire Service Act 1975; and includes a defence fire brigade and an industrial fire brigade within the meaning of that Act

    fittings means everything used, or designed or intended for use, in or in connection with the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance, or use of electricity

    infringement fee, in relation to an infringement offence, means the amount prescribed by regulations made under section 169 as the infringement fee for the offence

    infringement notice means a notice given under section 165B

    infringement offence means—

    • (b) a breach of any regulation made under this Act that is prescribed as an infringement offence

    investigator, in relation to a complaint, means the person appointed under Part 11 to investigate the complaint

    level crossing has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Railways Act 2005

    line function services means—

    • (a) the provision and maintenance of works for the conveyance of electricity:

    • (b) the operation of such works, including the control of voltage and assumption of responsibility for losses of electricity

    line owner means a person that owns works that are used or intended to be used for the conveyance of electricity

    lines means works that are used or intended to be used for the conveyance of electricity

    local authority means a territorial authority within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2002

    maintain includes to repair; and maintenance has a corresponding meaning

    Minister, in any provision of this Act, means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of that provision

    Ministry, in any provision of this Act, means the department of State that, with the authority of the Prime Minister, is responsible for the administration of that provision

    official standard means—

    • (b) a standard specification prescribed by any standards organisation within the meaning of that Act

    place means—

    • (a) the whole or any part of any land, house, shop, factory, premises, or building:

    • (b) any vessel within any harbour or inland waters:

    • (c) any aircraft, hovercraft, or vehicle

    pleasure vessel has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Shipping and Seamen Act 1952

    Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board means the Board constituted by section 5 of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 1976 or continued under an enactment that, with or without modification, replaces, or that corresponds to, that Act

    point of supply has the meaning set out in subsection (3)

    power supply means a supply of electricity

    practising licence means a practising licence issued under subpart 1 of Part 10

    prescribed electrical work means electrical work prescribed in regulations made under section 169, being work that falls into any of the following categories:

    • (a) the design or construction or maintenance of electrical installations:

    • (b) the maintenance of electrical appliances:

    • (c) the connection or disconnection of works, electrical installations, and electrical appliances to or from a power supply, other than by means of—

      • (i) a plug; or

      • (ii) an appliance inlet; or

      • (iii) a pin—

      that is inserted into a socket outlet:

    • (d) the design or construction or maintenance of works:

    • (e) the testing or certification or inspection or supervision of the work described in paragraphs (a) to (d)

    price includes valuable consideration in any form, whether direct or indirect; and also includes any consideration that in effect relates to the acquisition of goods or services or the acquisition or disposition of any interest in land, although ostensibly relating to any other matter or thing

    provisional licence means a provisional licence issued under section 93

    register means the register kept under Part 10

    registered person means a person who, for the time being,—

    • (a) is registered under subpart 1 of Part 10; or

    • (b) is deemed to be registered under that subpart

    Registrar means the Registrar appointed pursuant to section 151

    relocatable building means any structure designed or adapted for human occupation that is designed to be relocatable; but does not include any tent

    road has the same meaning as in section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974; and includes a road under the jurisdiction of any local authority; and also includes a public footpath; and also includes a State highway within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989; but does not include—

    • (a) a private road within the meaning of section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974; or

    • (c) any roadway laid out by order of the Maori Land Court under sections 315 to 327 of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 or under any former Act, except where that order has been cancelled, or where the roadway has been declared under section 320 of that Act to be a road; or

    • (d) any level crossing

    roading structure means any bridge, underpass, overpass, culvert, or tunnel

    Secretary, in any provision of this Act, means the chief executive of the Ministry responsible for the administration of that provision; and includes any person for the time being authorised by delegation to exercise or perform any of the powers or functions of the Secretary under that provision

    serious harm means—

    • (a) death; or

    • (b) injury that consists of or includes loss of consciousness; or

    • (c) injury that necessitates the person suffering the injury—

      • (i) being admitted to hospital; or

      • (ii) receiving medical treatment from a health practitioner who is, or is deemed to be, registered with an authority established or continued by section 114 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 as a practitioner of a particular health profession

    supervision, in relation to any work, means that the work is undertaken under such control and direction of a person authorised under this Act to do the work or, in the case of section 76, a person authorised to supervise work under that section as is sufficient to ensure—

    • (a) that the work is performed competently; and

    • (b) that while the work is being undertaken, appropriate safety measures are adopted; and

    • (c) that the completed work complies with the requirements of any regulations made under section 169

    telecommunications line means any line within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act 2001

    vehicle has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998

    worker means any person who is employed or engaged (whether under a contract of service or a contract for services) to do any work for hire or reward

    working day means any day of the week other than—

    • (a) Saturday, Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Labour Day, the Sovereign's birthday, and Waitangi Day; and

    • (b) a day in the period commencing with 25 December in any year and ending with 15 January in the following year

    works

    • (a) means any fittings that are used, or designed or intended for use, in or in connection with the generation, conversion, transformation, or conveyance of electricity; but

    • (b) does not include any part of an electrical installation.

    (2) [Repealed]

    (3) In this Act, point of supply, in relation to a property, means the point or points on the boundary of the property at which exclusive fittings enter that property, except that,—

    • (a) if there are both high voltage lines and a transformer owned by the electricity distributor on the property, the point of supply is the point at which electricity from the transformer enters exclusive fittings; or

    • (b) if there are non-exclusive fittings on the property, the point of supply is the point at which those fittings become exclusive fittings; or

    • (c) if the exclusive fittings on the property are owned by a consumer that is a tenant or licensee of the owner or occupier of the property, the point of supply is the point at which those exclusive fittings enter the area leased or licensed by the consumer; or

    • (d) if there is specific agreement that any other point on the property is the point of supply, the point of supply is the agreed point;—

    and, in this definition,—

    exclusive fittings means fittings used or intended to be used for the purpose of supplying electricity exclusively to that property

    high voltage lines means lines conveying electricity at a voltage of 1 000 volts or more

    property

    • (a) means the land within the boundary where the electricity is consumed:

    • (b) includes the whole of the property, if the property is occupied wholly or partially by tenants or licensees of the owner or occupier:

    specific agreement may be an agreement—

    • (a) entered into by—

      • (i) the existing consumer; or

      • (ii) any person with a greater interest in the property than the consumer (such as the consumer's landlord); or

      • (iii) any body corporate under the Unit Titles Act 2010 or the registered proprietor of the land to which the unit plan relates; and

    • (b) entered into by the electricity distributor or the electricity retailer; and

    • (c) entered into before or after the date on which this provision comes into force.

    (4) The new definition of point of supply in subsection (3)—

    • (a) applies on and after the date on which the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 receives the Royal assent if—

      • (i) an agreement exists between the electricity distributor and the consumer that the point of supply is already located at the point provided for in the new definition; and

      • (ii) the consumer has not challenged the existence of that agreement before that date; and

    • (b) is, in other cases, subject to the transitional provision in subsection (5).

    (5) The new definition of point of supply in subsection (3) does not apply in any other particular case until the electricity distributor has—

    • (a) brought the fittings for which the consumer will become responsible as a result of the new definition to a reasonable standard of maintenance or repair, if those fittings are not at a reasonable standard at the time when this provision comes into force; and

    • (b) notified the consumer in writing—

      • (i) that the point of supply is as defined in accordance with the new definition; and

      • (ii) the location of that point of supply; and

      • (iii) the effect of the change to the point of supply; and

      • (iv) that the point of supply may not take effect under this Act unless any fittings for which the consumer will become responsible have been brought to a reasonable standard of maintenance and repair; and

      • (v) the date on which the point of supply will change (which must be no less than 20 working days after the date of the notification).

    Section 2(1) all practicable steps: inserted, on 5 December 2006, by section 6(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) applicable minimum standards for registration: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) Commission: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) Commission's board or board: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) Committee: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) community trust: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) condition: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) consumer paragraph (b): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 29(2)(a) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

    Section 2(1) consumer paragraph (b): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 29(2)(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

    Section 2(1) corporation: substituted, on 14 May 1999, by section 100 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (1998 No 88).

    Section 2(1) Council: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) customer trust: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) domestic consumer: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) domestic premises: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) EGB: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 4(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 80).

    Section 2(1) EGB's board or board: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 4(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 80).

    Section 2(1) electrical installation: substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 162(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) electricity generator: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 7(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

    Section 2(1) electricity governance organisation: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 4(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 80).

    Section 2(1) electricity governance regulations: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) electricity operator: substituted, on 14 May 1999, by section 100 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (1998 No 88).

    Section 2(1) electricity operator paragraph (b): amended, on 22 October 2003, by section 3 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 72).

    Section 2(1) employer licence: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) GPS objectives and outcomes: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) industry participant: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) infringement fee: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) infringement notice: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) infringement offence: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) investigator: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) level crossing: substituted, on 20 July 2005, by section 103(3) of the Railways Act 2005 (2005 No 37).

    Section 2(1) lines: inserted, on 18 October 2004, by section 4(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 80).

    Section 2(1) local authority: substituted, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).

    Section 2(1) Minister: substituted, on 5 December 2006, by section 6(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) Ministry: substituted, on 5 December 2006, by section 6(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) national grid: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) performance standards: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) place: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) point of supply: substituted, on 8 August 2001, by section 7(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

    Section 2(1) practising licence: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) prescribed electrical work paragraph (a): amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(6) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) prescribed electrical work paragraph (d): amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(6) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) prescribed electrical work paragraph (e): added, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(7) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) provisional licence: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) publicise: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) qualified engineer: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) qualifying experience: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) recognised certificate: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) register: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) registered: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) registered person: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(5) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) report date: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) reporting period: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) reserve energy: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) road: amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

    Section 2(1) road: amended, on 28 July 1997, by section 2(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 42).

    Section 2(1) road paragraph (a): substituted, on 28 July 1997, by section 2(3) of the Electricity Amendment Act 1997 (1997 No 42).

    Section 2(1) road paragraph (b): amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

    Section 2(1) road paragraph (c): amended, on 1 July 1993, pursuant to section 362(2) of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 (1993 No 4).

    Section 2(1) rules and electricity governance rules: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) Rulings Panel: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) Secretary: substituted, on 5 December 2006, by section 6(3) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) serious harm: inserted, on 5 December 2006, by section 6(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) subsidiary: repealed, on 28 September 1993, by section 2(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 1993 (1993 No 143).

    Section 2(1) supervision: amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(8) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) supervisor of electrical work: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) telecommunications line: amended, on 20 December 2001, by section 158 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 (2001 No 103).

    Section 2(1) tradesperson: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) trainee: repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(1) Transpower: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(1) vehicle: amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).

    Section 2(1) works paragraph (b): substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 162(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

    Section 2(2): repealed, on 1 April 2010, by section 6(9) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 2(3): substituted, on 8 August 2001, by section 7(3) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

    Section 2(3) property paragraph (c): amended, on 20 June 2011, by section 233(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010 (2011 No 22).

    Section 2(3) specific agreement paragraph (a)(iii): amended, on 20 June 2011, by section 233(1) of the Unit Titles Act 2010 (2011 No 22).

    Section 2(4): added, on 8 August 2001, by section 7(3) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

    Section 2(5): added, on 8 August 2001, by section 7(3) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

3 Act to bind the Crown
  • This Act binds the Crown.

Part 2
General

Electricity operators

4 Declaration of electricity distributors as electricity operators
  • (1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare a person to be an electricity operator for the purposes of this Act or any provision or provisions of this Act if the Minister is satisfied that a declaration is necessary to enable the person to commence or carry on a business as an electricity distributor.

    (2) The Minister must, as soon as reasonably practicable, by notice in the Gazette, declare that a person ceases to be an electricity operator on a date stated in the notice if the Minister is satisfied that the person has ceased to carry on a business as an electricity distributor.

    Section 4: substituted, on 8 August 2001, by section 8 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

4A Declaration of electricity generators as electricity operators
  • (1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare an electricity generator to be an electricity operator for the purposes of this Act, or any provision or provisions of this Act, if the Minister is satisfied—

    • (a) that the declaration is necessary to enable the person to commence or carry on an activity as an electricity generator; and

    • (b) that the business interests in respect of which the declaration is made are confined to any or all of the works necessary to convey the electricity generated to an electricity installation owned by an electricity generator, electricity distributor, or a consumer.

    (2) The Minister must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, by notice in the Gazette, declare that a person ceases to be an electricity operator on a date stated in the notice if the Minister is satisfied that the person is no longer carrying out any of the activities referred to in subsection (1).

    (3) [Repealed]

    Section 4A: substituted, on 8 August 2001, by section 8 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

    Section 4A heading: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 30(2) of the Electricity Industry Reform Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 71).

    Section 4A(1): substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 30(3) of the Electricity Industry Reform Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 71).

    Section 4A(2): substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 30(4) of the Electricity Industry Reform Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 71).

    Section 4A(3): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 30(4) of the Electricity Industry Reform Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 71).

Functions and powers of Secretary

5 Functions of Secretary
  • The functions of the Secretary or Secretaries under this Act are—

    • (a) to carry out such enquiries, tests, audits, or investigations as may be necessary to determine whether or not a person is complying with this Act:

    • (b) to take all such lawful steps as may be necessary to ensure the safe supply and use of electricity:

    • (c) to perform such other functions as are provided for under this Act.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 5

    Section 5: amended, on 5 December 2006, by section 7 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

6 Inspection of works, etc
  • (1) For the purposes of performing any of the Secretary's functions under this Act, the Secretary may at any reasonable time inspect the whole or any part of any works, electrical installation, electrical appliance, or associated equipment.

    (2) For the purposes of carrying out an inspection under this section, the Secretary may enter and re-enter any place.

    (3) Before carrying out any inspection under this section, the Secretary shall give to the person who has control of the works, installation, electrical appliance, or associated equipment, and to the occupier of the land affected, reasonable notice of the Secretary's intention to carry out the inspection.

    (4) Where the Secretary has entered any place under subsection (2), he or she may—

    • (a) inspect any fittings or associated equipment:

    • (b) by notice in writing require any person whom the Secretary reasonably believes to be for the time being in charge of the place, or of any fittings or associated equipment in the place, to take any specified action in respect of that place, those fittings, or that equipment that the Secretary reasonably believes is necessary to render that place, those fittings, or that equipment safe:

    • (c) require any person who has control of the works, electrical installation, electrical appliance, or associated equipment to produce any document required by this Act or any regulations made under section 169 or section 170 to be kept by that person, and may examine and make copies of, or take extracts from, any such document.

    (5) This section shall apply notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 52 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 8

    Section 6(5): amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

7 Report to be compiled on inspection
  • Where any inspection is carried out under section 6, the person who carries out the inspection shall—

    • (a) compile a written report of the results of the inspection; and

    • (b) give a copy of the report to—

      • (i) the person whom the person reasonably believed to be in charge of the place in which the inspection was carried out; and

      • (ii) the owner or occupier of that place (where that person is not the person referred to in subparagraph (i)); and

      • (iii) the person who has control of the works, electrical installation, electrical appliance, or associated equipment concerned (where that person is not the person referred to in subparagraph (i) or subparagraph (ii)).

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 9

8 Special powers of Secretary
  • (1) The Secretary may at any time, by notice in writing, require any person who has control of any works, electrical installation, or electrical appliance to take apart or dismantle any fittings to facilitate or assist an inspection for the purposes of this Act.

    (2) Where the Secretary believes on reasonable grounds—

    • (a) that there is a danger or potential danger to the safety of any person or property arising directly or indirectly from any fittings or electrical appliance or electrical installation; or

    • (b) that, because of anything done or omitted to be done, or intended to be done or not to be done, by any person, in relation to any fittings or electrical appliance or electrical installation, there would be a danger or potential danger of injury to any person or of damage to any property,—

    the Secretary may do all such things, and require any person to do or refrain from doing all such things, as the Secretary considers necessary to remove or minimise the danger or potential danger.

    (2A) The Secretary's power to require a person to do a thing under subsection (2) includes the power to require, by written notice, that the person—

    • (a) produce for inspection, within any reasonable period that the Secretary may specify, any document or class of document in the possession or under the control of the person that the Secretary considers would assist the Secretary to remove or minimise a danger or potential danger:

    • (b) supply, within any reasonable period that the Secretary may specify, any information or class of information that the Secretary considers would assist the Secretary to remove or minimise a danger or potential danger.

    (2B) Every person who is required to produce documents or supply information under this section has the same privileges in relation to the production of the documents or the supply of the information as witnesses have in any court.

    (3) This section shall apply notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 52 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 10

    Section 8(2): amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 8(1)(a) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 8(2): amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 8(1)(b) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 8(2A): inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 8(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 8(2B): inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 8(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 8(3): amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

9 Objections to Secretary's requirements
  • (1) Every person who is affected by any notice given under section 6(4)(b) or section 8(1), or any requirement made under section 8(2), may, within 15 working days after receiving the notice or being made subject to the requirement, object to that notice or requirement.

    (2) Every objection under subsection (1) shall be made by lodging a written notice of objection with the Registrar of the District Court nearest to the place where the notice was given or the requirement made, or, with the consent of the Secretary, with the Registrar of any other District Court.

    (3) Every notice of objection shall specify the grounds of the objection.

    (4) The objector shall cause a copy of the notice of objection to be served on the Secretary, either before or immediately after it is lodged with the Registrar.

    (5) The Registrar of the court shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of the objection to the objector and the Secretary.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 11(2)–(4)

10 Effect of notice or requirement pending hearing
  • Subject to section 13, where a notice of objection is lodged under section 9, the notice or requirement to which the notice of objection relates shall be suspended until an order is made by a District Court under section 11(2), or until the withdrawal of the objection or the withdrawal of the notice or requirement, whichever occurs first.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 11(7)

11 Procedure on hearing of objection
  • (1) On the hearing of an objection under section 9, both the objector and the Secretary, either personally or by their counsel, shall be entitled to be present and be heard.

    (2) On hearing the objection, the court may by order confirm, reverse, or modify the notice or requirement.

    (3) Subject to section 12, every order made under subsection (2) shall be final.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 11(5), (6)

12 Appeal on question of law
  • (1) Where any party to an objection under section 9 is dissatisfied with the decision of a District Court on that objection as being erroneous in point of law, that party may appeal to the High Court by way of case stated for the opinion of that court on the question of law only.

    (2) Subject to subsection (3), every appeal under this section shall be heard and determined in accordance with rules of court.

    (3) The provisions of Part 4 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 (including the other provisions of that Act that are applied in that Part), so far as they relate to appeals by way of case stated on questions of law only, shall apply, so far as they are applicable and with all necessary modifications, to every appeal under this section.

    (4) Subject to section 13, where a notice of appeal is filed pursuant to this section, the notice or requirement to which the notice of appeal relates shall be suspended until the appeal has been determined, or until a District Court Judge certifies that the appeal has not been prosecuted, or the Registrar of the High Court has certified that the appeal has been dismissed for non-prosecution, whichever occurs first.

13 Secretary may require immediate compliance
  • (1) Notwithstanding sections 10 and 12(4), where a notice of objection is lodged under section 9 by any person in respect of any notice or requirement, the Secretary may advise the objector that the Secretary considers the situation to be one involving immediate danger to life or property, and on being so advised the objector shall immediately take active steps to comply with that notice or requirement.

    (2) Every person commits an offence who fails to comply immediately with any notice or requirement to which subsection (1) applies, and every such person shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day or part of a day that such failure continues.

    (3) Without limiting the liability of any person to be convicted of an offence against subsection (2), both the High Court and any District Court shall each have jurisdiction to restrain any contravention or threatened contravention of subsection (1) by injunction on the application of the Secretary, and to make such order in the matter as to costs and otherwise as it thinks fit.

    (4) No person shall be precluded by any contract or agreement from doing or refraining from doing any such acts as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of this section, or be liable under any contract or agreement to any penalty or forfeiture for doing or refraining from doing any such act.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 11(8)–(11)

14 Appeal against decision on application for injunction
  • (1) A party to proceedings in a District Court on an application under section 13(3) may appeal to the High Court against any decision of the District Court.

    (1A) The High Court Rules and sections 74 to 78 of the District Courts Act 1947, with all necessary modifications, apply to an appeal under subsection (1) as if it were an appeal under section 72 of that Act.

    (2) On the ex parte application of the appellant, the District Court may order that the appellant must not be required under section 74(1) of the District Courts Act 1947 to give the Registrar of the High Court security for costs.

    (2A) Subsection (2) overrides subsection (1A).

    (3) A party to any appeal under subsection (1) may, with the leave of the Court of Appeal, appeal to the Court of Appeal against any determination of the High Court on a question of law arising in an appeal under that subsection.

    (4) On an appeal to the Court of Appeal under this section, the Court of Appeal shall have the same power to adjudicate on the proceeding as the High Court had.

    (5) The decision of the Court of Appeal on an appeal to that court under this section, and on an application to it under this section for leave to appeal, shall be final.

    (6) Subject to subsections (3) to (5), the decision of the High Court on an appeal to that court under this section shall be final.

    Section 14(1): substituted, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).

    Section 14(1A): inserted, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).

    Section 14(2): substituted, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).

    Section 14(2A): inserted, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).

15 Assessors
  • (1) Where any objection has been lodged under section 9, the Secretary or the objector may ask for the objection to be heard with the assistance of 2 assessors, one to be appointed by the Secretary and the other by the objector.

    (2) No person shall be appointed to act as an assessor unless he or she has special skill or knowledge relevant to the particular matter to be considered by the court.

    (3) There shall be paid, out of public money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, to any assessors appointed under this section remuneration by way of fees, salary, or allowances, and travelling allowances and expenses, in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951; and the provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly as if the assessors were members of a statutory board within the meaning of that Act.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 12; 1989 No 44 s 86(1)

16 Notification of accidents
  • (1) This section applies to every accident that—

    • (a) is caused wholly or partly by, or involves or affects, electricity, or involves or affects the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance, or use of electricity; and

    • (b) results in—

      • (i) serious harm to any person; or

      • (ii) damage to any place or part of a place that renders that place or that part of that place unusable for any purpose for which it was used or designed to be used before that accident.

    (2) [Repealed]

    (3) Where any accident to which this section applies occurs in any place, the appropriate person shall notify the Secretary of the particulars of the accident forthwith on becoming aware of the accident.

    (4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the appropriate person is as follows:

    • (a) in the case of an accident involving or affecting any works or electrical installation, the person who has control of those works or that installation:

    • (b) if the accident is discovered by any person who is authorised to do prescribed electrical work under Part 10, that person:

    • (c) in all other cases, the occupier of the place where the accident occurred.

    (5) Every notice under this section shall be in the prescribed form (if any) and shall contain such particulars as are prescribed (if any).

    (6) Notification of an accident in accordance with either or both of the following provisions is compliance with subsection (3):

    • (b) section 25(3) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 14(1)–(3)

    Section 16 heading: amended, on 5 December 2006, by section 9(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 16(1): substituted, on 5 December 2006, by section 9(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 16(2): repealed, on 5 December 2006, by section 9(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 16(4)(b): substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 9(3) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 16(6): added, on 5 December 2006, by section 9(4) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

16A Transfer of accident information
  • (1) The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after he or she is notified of an accident under section 16, provide the notice or information that has been given to the Secretary to—

    • (a) the person who must be notified of the particulars of an accident under section 17(3) of the Gas Act 1992 if the Secretary is of the opinion that section 17 of that Act applies to the accident; and

    • (b) the person who must be notified of the occurrence of an accident under section 25(3) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 if the Secretary is of the opinion that section 25 of that Act applies to the accident.

    (2) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the Secretary and the person who must be notified of the particulars of an accident under section 17(3) of the Gas Act 1992 are the same person.

    Section 16A: inserted, on 5 December 2006, by section 10 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

17 Interference with scene of accident
  • (1) No person shall interfere in any way with the scene of any accident to which section 16 applies without the permission of the Secretary, or if the Secretary is not present, a constable or a member of a fire brigade, except to the extent that the person believes is necessary to avoid or minimise further injury or damage or to restore the safe supply of electricity.

    (2) Where any person does interfere in any way with the scene of any accident to which section 16 applies, the person shall as soon as practicable notify the Secretary of the action the person has taken.

    (3) Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of any person who is investigating the accident pursuant to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 14(4), (5)

    Section 17(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).

18 Inquiries into accidents
  • (1) The Secretary may conduct an inquiry into any accident to which section 16 applies to establish the cause of the accident.

    (2) Where the Secretary believes, on reasonable grounds, that any occurrence may be an accident to which section 16 applies, the Secretary may conduct a preliminary inquiry in order to establish whether or not the occurrence is such an accident.

    (3) Subject to section 21, the Secretary may, for the purpose of any inquiry or preliminary inquiry under this section, require any person to supply to the Secretary all such information as that person may have of relevance to the inquiry or preliminary inquiry.

    (4) Where the Secretary conducts an inquiry under this section, the Secretary shall prepare a written report of the findings of the inquiry, and shall make copies of that report available on request to interested parties.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 14(6), (7)

19 Assistance to Secretary
  • Where the Secretary is performing any duty or exercising any power in respect of any place, or any fittings or associated equipment in any place, the owner or occupier of the place, and any other person who is for the time being in charge of the place, shall provide all such facilities and assistance as the Secretary may reasonably require.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 15

20 Obstructing Secretary
  • Every person commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 in the case of an individual, or $250,000 in the case of a body corporate, who—

    • (a) intentionally obstructs the Secretary when the Secretary is lawfully carrying out duties under this Act:

    • (b) refuses or fails without reasonable excuse—

      • (i) to produce any document when required to do so by the Secretary for the purposes of this Act; or

      • (ii) to allow the Secretary to examine or make copies of or take extracts from any such document; or

      • (iii) to supply any information required of the person by the Secretary under this Act; or

      • (iv) to comply with any other lawful order or requisition given or made by the Secretary:

    • (c) intentionally damages or interferes with any property used by, or supplied for the use or in the possession of, the Secretary for the purposes of this Act:

    • (d) fails without reasonable excuse to notify any accident to which section 16 applies when required to do so by subsection (3) of that section, or interferes in any way with the scene of any such accident otherwise than in accordance with section 17(1), or, having interfered in any such scene in accordance with section 17(1), fails without reasonable excuse to notify the Secretary of the steps he or she has taken as required by section 17(2).

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 16

    Section 20: amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 11(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

    Section 20(d): amended, on 1 April 2010, by section 11(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

21 Privilege against self-incrimination
  • No person shall be required, pursuant to any provision of this Part, to reply to any question if the answer might tend to incriminate him or her.

Part 3
Powers and duties of electricity operators and other owners of electrical works

22 Protection of existing works
  • Any existing works, lawfully fixed to or lawfully installed over or under any land that is not owned by the person that owns the works, shall continue to be fixed or installed until the owner of the works otherwise decides, and no person other than the owner of the works shall have any interest in any such works by reason only of having an interest in the land.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 20; 1988 No 164 s 17

22A Owners of land not responsible for maintenance
  • (1) An owner or occupier of land on which any existing works are situated is not required by this Act to maintain existing works, or to maintain tracks for the purpose of providing the owner of the works with access to the existing works.

    (2) This section does not limit or override any new or existing legally binding agreement that provides for an owner or occupier of the land to be responsible for any maintenance.

    Section 22A: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 9 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23 Rights of entry in respect of existing works
  • (1) Any person that owns any existing works may enter upon land for the purpose of gaining access to those works and may perform any act or operation necessary for the purpose of—

    • (a) inspecting, maintaining, or operating the works:

    • (b) in the case of works the construction of which had not been completed before 1 January 1988 (in the case of works owned by the Corporation) or before 1 January 1993 (in the case of works owned by any other electricity operator), completing the works.

    (2) A certificate signed by the owner of any existing works containing a statement that any specified works were constructed (in whole or in part) before 1 January 1988 (in relation to works owned by the Corporation) or before 1 January 1993 (in the case of works owned by any other person) under the authority of the Electricity Act 1968 (or any Act repealed by that Act) or the Electric Power Boards Act 1925 or the Local Government Act 1974 or the Public Works Act 1981 or any local or private Act shall be admissible in evidence in any proceedings and shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, constitute proof of that statement.

    (3) In this section, maintenance includes—

    • (a) any repairs and any other activities for the purpose of maintaining, or that have the effect of maintaining, existing works; and

    • (b) the carrying out of any replacement or upgrade of existing works as long as the land will not be injuriously affected as a result of the replacement or upgrade.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 12; 1988 No 164 s 14

    Section 23(3): added, on 8 August 2001, by section 10(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23A Line owner must give written notice of intention to maintain or complete existing works
  • (1) An owner of existing works that intends to enter upon land for the purpose of maintaining or completing the works under section 23 must give reasonable notice (at least 10 working days before entry) of its intention to do so to the owner or occupier of the land.

    (2) The notice must be in writing, and must specify—

    • (a) the location of the proposed entry and work; and

    • (b) the reasons for the entry and work and the nature of the work to be undertaken; and

    • (c) the date and time of entry; and

    • (d) the length of time that the owner of the works expects to be on the land.

    Section 23A: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 11(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23B Line owner must give notice of intention to inspect or operate existing works
  • (1) An owner of existing works that intends to enter upon land for the purpose of inspecting or operating the works under section 23 must give reasonable notice of its intention to do so to the owner or occupier of the land.

    (2) The notice may be given by telephone or in any other manner that the owner of the works thinks appropriate.

    Section 23B: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 11(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23C Notice in emergencies
  • (1) An owner of existing works is excused from giving notice as required by section 23A or section 23B if—

    • (a) entry upon the land is necessary in circumstances of probable danger to life or property; or

    • (b) entry upon the land is immediately necessary to maintain the continuity or safety of the supply and distribution of electricity.

    (2) However, in either case, the owner of the existing works must give notice to the owner or occupier of the land as soon as practicable and to the extent that the circumstances permit (and no later than 5 working days after entry).

    Section 23C: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 11(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23D Land owner may set reasonable conditions on line owner's entry
  • The owner or occupier of the land may set reasonable conditions relating to the timing of entry under section 23 and the access route, but those conditions may not—

    • (a) delay the entry by more than 15 working days; or

    • (b) require monetary or other consideration; or

    • (c) otherwise defeat the ability of the owner of the works to exercise effectively the powers in section 23.

    Section 23D: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 11(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23E Agreements preserved
  • Sections 23A to 23D do not limit or override any new or existing agreement that is legally binding on the owner or occupier of the land and the owner of the works.

    Section 23E: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 11(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

23F Disputes about land access
  • (1) The owner or occupier of land, or the owner of the works, may refer any dispute under sections 23 to 23E to the Environment Court.

    (2) The objector must, as soon as practicable after making a written objection, serve a copy of the objection on the other party to the dispute.

    (3) Within 1 month after receiving a copy of the objection or within any further period that the Environment Court allows, the other party to the dispute must send to the Environment Court and serve on the objector a reply to the objection containing matters that are appropriate having regard to the objection made and to any practice directions issued by the Environment Court.

    (4) The Environment Court must inquire into the objection and, for that purpose, may conduct a hearing at any time and place it appoints.

    (5) The Environment Court must give not less than 15 working days' notice of any time and place so appointed to the objector and to the other party to the dispute.

    (6) The Environment Court has power to make a declaration as if the proceeding had been brought under sections 310 to 313 of the Resource Management Act 1991.

    (7) The findings of the Environment Court are binding on the objector and the other party to the dispute.

    (8) The Environment Court may award those costs that it considers just either in favour of or against either party.

    (9) Subject to sections 299 to 308 of the Resource Management Act 1991, no appeal lies from any declaration of the Environment Court under this section.

    Compare: 1981 No 35 s 24

    Section 23F: inserted, on 8 August 2001, by section 12 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 40).

24 Construction or maintenance of works on roads
  • (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (5), an electricity operator may from time to time construct and maintain works in, on, along, over, across, or under any road, and for any of these purposes may—

    • (a) open or break up any road:

    • (b) alter the position of—

      • (i) any pipe (not being a main) for the supply of water or gas; or

      • (ii) any telecommunications line; or

      • (iii) any works—

      that are constructed in, on, along, over, across, or under that road:

    • (c) alter, repair, or remove any works so constructed or maintained, or any part of any such works.

    (2) No electricity operator may exercise the powers contained in subsection (1) otherwise than in accordance with such reasonable conditions as may be prescribed by the local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over the road.

    (3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), a local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over a road may impose under that subsection, in relation to any work undertaken by any electricity operator, a condition requiring the electricity operator to meet the reasonable costs and expenses of that local authority or other body or person—

    • (a) in processing any notice given under section 25(1) by the electricity operator in relation to the work:

    • (b) in supervising the carrying out of the work, where such supervision is necessary in the circumstances of the case.

    (4) To avoid doubt, subsection (1) does not prevent the construction or maintenance of works that are undertaken under an agreement entered into by—

    • (a) the electricity operator; and

    • (b) the local authority or other body with jurisdiction over the road to which the works relate; and

    (5) Subsection (1) does not apply to the construction of works that are intended to convey, or are associated with, electricity at a voltage of more than 110 KV and a capacity of more than 100 MVA.

    (6) In subsection (5), works means works located at or above ground level in, on, along, over, or across a road, but does not include works suspended above a road.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 15; 1988 No 164 s 16

    Section 24(1): amended, on 9 August 2005, by section 3(1) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 88).

    Section 24(2): substituted, on 6 August 2010, by section 14 of the Infrastructure (Amendments Relating to Utilities Access) Act 2010 (2010 No 99).

    Section 24(4): substituted, on 9 August 2005, by section 3(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 88).

    Section 24(5): added, on 9 August 2005, by section 3(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 88).

    Section 24(6): added, on 9 August 2005, by section 3(2) of the Electricity Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 88).

24A Criteria for setting reasonable conditions
  • (1) In setting, varying, or revoking reasonable conditions under section 24(2), the local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over the road concerned may consider all or any of the following matters:

    • (a) the safe and efficient flow of traffic (whether pedestrian or vehicular):

    • (b) the health and safety of any person who is, or class of persons who are, likely to be directly affected by the work on the road:

    • (c) the need to lessen the damage that is likely to be caused to property (including structural integrity of the roads) as a result of work on the road:

    • (d) the compensation that may be payable under section 57 for property that is likely to be damaged as a result of work on the road:

    • (e) the need to lessen disruption to the local community (including businesses):

    • (f) the co-ordination of installation of other networks:

    • (g) the co-ordination with road construction work by the local authority or other body or person who has jurisdiction over that road:

    • (h) the need of the electricity operator to establish an electricity network in a timely manner.

    (2) Nothing in subsection (1) limits a local authority's or other body's or person's ability to impose reasonable conditions under section 24(2).

    (3) However, a condition requiring a network operator to increase amenity values (rather than to merely maintain them) must not be imposed unless the work to be done is in an area identified in a district plan as an area in relation to which, under the district plan, there are particular considerations, or rules or requirements, relating to amenity values.

    (4) If the cost to the network operator of complying with a condition referred to in subsection (3) is higher than it would have been if there were not a requirement to increase amenity values, then the person imposing the condition must pay that increase in cost.

    Compare: 2001 No 103 s 119

    Section 24A: inserted, on 6 August 2010, by section 15 of the Infrastructure (Amendments Relating to Utilities Access) Act 2010 (2010 No 99).

25 Notice to be given before work undertaken
  • (1) Except as provided in subsection (5), before an electricity operator proceeds to undertake any work pursuant to the powers contained in section 24(1), the electricity operator shall give notice of its intention to undertake the work to—

    • (a) the local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over the road to which the work relates; and

    • (b) the owner of any pipe, telecommunications line, or works that are constructed in, on, along, over, across, or under that road and that will be affected, or are likely to be affected, by the work.

    (2) Every such notice shall be in writing, and shall specify the location of the proposed work, the nature of the work to be undertaken, and the reasons for it.

    (3) Within 15 working days after the receipt of the written notice of the intention to undertake work, the persons who are given a notice pursuant to subsection (1) shall notify the electricity operator, in writing, of any conditions imposed pursuant to section 24(2).

    (4) Where a person who is given a notice pursuant to subsection (1) fails to notify the electricity operator of the conditions imposed pursuant to section 24(2) within the period referred to in subsection (3) of this section, no such conditions may be imposed, and the electricity operator may commence work.

    (5) Where any such work is rendered urgent and necessary by any defective equipment, or other emergency, the electricity operator shall be excused from complying with the requirements of subsection (1) before commencing the work, but shall give the information required by subsection (2) as soon as practicable thereafter.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 15A; 1988 No 164 s 16

26 Offence
  • (1) Every electricity operator commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 who fails to comply with section 24 or section 25.

    (2) In addition to any fine imposed pursuant to subsection (1), the court may make such order relating to compensation as it thinks fit.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 15B; 1988 No 164 s 16

27 Appeals in relation to conditions imposed
  • (1) An electricity operator shall have a right of appeal to a District Court against all or any of the conditions imposed pursuant to section 24(2) by—

    • (a) the local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over the road; or

    • (b) the owner of any pipe, telecommunications line, or works.

    (2) Every such appeal shall be made by giving notice of appeal within 40 working days after the date of notification of the conditions imposed, or within such further period as the court may allow on application made to it for that purpose either before or after the expiration of those 40 working days.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 15C; 1988 No 164 s 16

28 Determination of appeals
  • (1) In its determination of any appeal under section 27, a District Court may confirm or modify or cancel any or all of the conditions imposed.

    (2) Subject to section 29, the decision of a District Court in the determination of an appeal under section 27 shall be final.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 15D; 1988 No 164 s 16

29 Appeal on question of law
  • (1) Where any party to any appeal under section 27 is dissatisfied with the decision of the District Court as being erroneous in point of law, that party may appeal to the High Court by way of case stated for the opinion of that court on the question of law only.

    (2) Subject to subsection (3), every appeal under this section shall be heard and determined in accordance with rules of court.

    (3) The provisions of Part 4 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 (including the other provisions of that Act that are applied in that Part), so far as they relate to appeals by way of case stated on questions of law only, shall apply, so far as they are applicable and with all necessary modifications, to every appeal under this section.

30 Charging for access to road reserve
  • (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act or in any other enactment, no local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over any road shall require the payment, by or on behalf of any electricity operator, of any amount of or in the nature of rent in respect of any works constructed in, on, along, over, across, or under that road.

    (2) Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of a rate that is assessed under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

    (3) In this section, the term road has the meaning given to it in section 2, but also includes a motorway within the meaning of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989.

    Section 30(2): substituted, on 1 July 2003, by section 137(1) of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (2002 No 6).

    Section 30(3): amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

31 Rights of entry in respect of level crossings
  • (1) Where—

    • (a) an electricity operator wishes to enter upon any level crossing for the purpose of constructing or maintaining any works in, on, along, over, across, or under that level crossing; and

    • (b) after taking all reasonable steps to do so, the electricity operator has been unable to negotiate an agreement for entry,—

    the electricity operator may, upon giving the owner and occupier of the level crossing not less than 10 working days' notice of its intention to do so, apply to a District Court for an order under this section.

    (2) On being satisfied that the construction or maintenance of any works is necessary for the purposes of distributing electricity, and that the electricity operator has taken all reasonable steps to negotiate an agreement for entry, and that, in relation to the construction of any works, no practical alternative route or site exists, the court may make an order authorising the electricity operator to—

    • (a) enter and re-enter the level crossing at reasonable times, with or without such assistants, aircraft, boats, vehicles, appliances, machinery, and equipment as are reasonably necessary for the construction or maintenance of any works:

    • (b) perform such work as may be reasonably necessary to construct or maintain any works.

    (3) Every order under this section shall specify—

    • (a) how and when entry is to be made; and

    • (b) the specific powers intended to be exercised; and

    • (c) such other conditions (including conditions relating to the payment of compensation) as the court thinks fit to impose.

    (4) Before exercising any powers authorised by an order made under this section, the electricity operator shall serve the order on the owner and occupier of the level crossing to which the order relates.

    (5) Every officer, employee, or agent of an electricity operator acting in pursuance of an order made under this section shall have with him or her and shall produce on initial entry and, if requested, at any subsequent time, evidence of his or her authority and identity.

    (6) This section does not apply to the construction or maintenance of works that are intended to convey, or are associated with, electricity at a voltage of more than 110 KV and a capacity of more than 100 MVA.

    (7) In subsection (6), works means works located at or above ground level in, on, along, over, or across a level crossing, but does not include works suspended above a level crossing.

    Compare: 1987 No 116 s 11; 1988 No 164 s 13

    Section 31(6): substituted, on 9 August 2005, by section 4 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 88).

    Section 31(7): added, on 9 August 2005, by section 4 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2005 (2005 No 88).

32 Local authority, etc, may require works to be moved
  • (1) Where any works (being works to which section 22 applies or works constructed pursuant to section 24) are fixed to or installed over or under any road, the local authority or other body or person having jurisdiction over that road may at any time, by notice in writing, require the owner of the works to raise, lower, or otherwise alter the position of those works.

    (2) If the owner of the works refuses or fails within a reasonable time to do the work required under subsection (1), the person requiring the work to be done may, after giving the owner of the works written notice of that person's intention to do so, do the work or have the work done by some other person.

    (3) The notice required by subsection (2) shall be given at least 15 working days before the work commences.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 48(1), (4)

33 Cost of work required under section 32
  • (1) Subject to subsection (2), the reasonable cost of all work required to be done under section 32(1) shall be paid by the person that requires the work to be done.

    (2) Where any work is required to be done under section 32(1) by reason that the works to which the work relates—

    • (a) were constructed contrary to any provision of—

      • (i) this Act or any regulations made under section 169; or

      • (ii) the Electricity Act 1968 (or any enactment repealed by that Act); or

      • (iii) the Electric Power Boards Act 1925; or

      • (vi) any local or private Act; or

      • (vii) any regulations made under any enactment, or under any enactment of any of the classes of enactment, referred to in any of subparagraphs (ii) to (vi); or

    • (b) are in a dangerous or unsafe condition,—

    the cost of the work shall be paid by the owner of the works.

    (3) Where any person requires any work to be done under section 32(1), no claim by or against that person for betterment shall be allowed in respect of that work.

    (4) Where a controlling authority (being the New Zealand Transport Agency or the agent of the Minister of Transport) requires any work to be done under section 32(1) in relation to any works, subsections (1) to (3) of this section shall apply subject to the following provisions:

    • (a) in all cases the cost of all fittings that are used in the carrying out of the required work (other than fittings used only during the course of construction) shall be paid by the owner of the works:

    • (b) where—

      • (i) as a consequence of the requirement, the owner of the works elects to fix works to, or install works over, under, or through, a roading structure that is being, or is to be, constructed or altered; and

      • (ii) the cost of that construction or those alterations is increased by reason that those works will be fixed to, or installed over, under, or through, that roading structure,—

      an amount equal to the amount by which the cost, to the controlling authority, of that construction or those alterations, as the case requires, is so increased shall be paid to the controlling authority by the owner of the works:

    • (c) where, as a consequence of the requirement, the owner of the works relocates the works and reconstructs them to specifications different from those of the original works, the owner of the works shall pay the difference between—

      • (i) what it would have cost to relocate and reconstruct the works as near as reasonably practicable to their original specifications (excluding any costs to which paragraph (a) would have applied), taking into account—

        • (A) any restrictions or conditions imposed by or under any enactment in relation to the relocation and reconstruction; and

        • (B) the location of the original works and the alternatives reasonably available to the owner of the works; and

      • (ii) the actual cost of the relocation and reconstruction (excluding any costs to which paragraph (a) applies),—

      where the amount calculated in accordance with subparagraph (i) is less than the amount calculated in accordance with subparagraph (ii).

    (5) Subsections (1) to (4) shall apply subject to any agreement between the person requiring the work to be done and the owner of the works to which that requirement relates.

    (6) The amount of any payment that is required to be made under this section shall be determined in each case—

    • (a) by agreement between the person liable for the payment and the person to whom it is payable; or

    • (b) failing such agreement, by arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996, with 1 arbitrator to be appointed by each party and an umpire to be appointed by those arbitrators before entering upon their reference.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 48(3), (5)

    Section 33(2)(a)(iv): substituted, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).

    Section 33(4): amended, on 6 August 2010, by section 16 of the Infrastructure (Amendments Relating to Utilities Access) Act 2010 (2010 No 99).

    Section 33(6)(b): amended, on 1 July 1997, pursuant to section 20 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (1996 No 99).

34 Government Roading Powers Act 1989 not to apply
  • Sections 32 and 33 shall apply notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 54 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989.

    Section 34 heading: amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

    Section 34: amended, on 1 August 2008, by section 50(1) of the Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 47).

35 Owners and occupiers of private land may move works
  • (1) Subject to subsection (2), the owner or occupier of any private land or buildings into, through, over, or against which any works to which section 22 applies have been constructed may, at that person's own expense, on giving written notice to the person that owns the works, move those works and reconstruct or replace them, subject to the work being lawfully carried out and to such reasonable conditions as the owner of the works may reasonably impose.

    (2) No works may be moved, reconstructed, or replaced under subsection (1) without the consent of the person that owns the works, but that consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

    (3) The notice required by subsection (1) shall be given at least 15 working days before the work to move the works commences.

    Compare: 1982 No 27 s 49

Part 4
Electrical codes of practice

36 Issue of electrical code of practice
  • (1) The Secretary may from time to time issue any instrument (in this Act referred to as an electrical code of practice) for the purposes of, or relating to,—

    • (a) the setting or endorsing of standards or specifications concerning the design, construction, installation, importation, or manufacture of works, electrical installations, fittings, electrical appliances, or associated equipment:

    • (b) the setting of standards in respect of electricity that is to be supplied to or used by electricity retailers and consumers:

    • (c) the operation or use of works, electrical installations, fittings, electrical appliances, or associated equipment:

    • (d) the inspection or maintenance of works, electrical installations, fittings, electrical appliances, or associated equipment:

    • (e) the safety of persons or property associated with or using works, electrical installations, fittings, electrical appliances, or associated equipment:

    • (f) the setting or endorsing of standards or requirements relating to—

      • (i) the training required for any specified class or classes of workers for the purposes of establishing and maintaining safety standards in relation to the generation, conversion, transformation, conveyance, and use of electricity:

      • (ii) the levels of electrical or technical qualifications necessary for the carrying out of any specified class or classes of electrical work or for the holding of positions of electrical responsibility in any branch of the electrical industry or in any specified undertakings concerned with the particular application of electricity:

    • (g) the setting or endorsing of standards, specifications, or requirements relating to or concerning the periodic examination of connectable installations of vehicles, relocatable buildings, and pleasure vessels, or any of them, and the issue of warrants of electrical fitness in respect of such installations:

    • (h) the setting or endorsing of standards, controls, or requirements for the whole or any part of any tree or vegetation to prevent the interruption of the supply of electricity or interference with the electrical supply system.

    (2) The Secretary may from time to time issue an amendment or revocation of any electrical code of practice.

    (3) Every electrical code of practice and every amendment or revocation of an electrical code of practice shall show the date on which it was issued.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 ss 24A, 24B(1), (2); 1983 No 123 s 6

37 Code may incorporate official standards by reference
  • (1) The Secretary may include in any electrical code of practice a reference to—

    • (a) an official standard or a specified part of an official standard; or

    • (b) an official standard or a specified part of an official standard with such additions or variations as are specified in the code—

    if that official standard or, as the case may be, that part of that official standard relates to the subject matter of the code.

    (2) On the inclusion in a code of a reference to an official standard or part of an official standard, that official standard or, as the case may be, that part of that official standard (as it existed on the date of the inclusion but with such additions or variations (if any) as are specified in the code) shall be deemed to form part of the code.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 24B(3), (4); 1983 No 123 s 6

38 Code to be approved by Minister
  • (1) Subject to subsection (5), an electrical code of practice, an amendment to such a code, and a revocation of such a code, shall not have any force or effect until it has been approved by the Minister.

    (2) Subject to subsection (3), the Minister shall not approve any code, or any amendment or revocation of a code, unless—

    • (a) not less than 1 month has elapsed since the publication in the Gazette of a notice of the intention of the Secretary to apply for approval; and

    • (b) the Minister has consulted such persons as will be affected by the code or amendment or revocation, or representatives of those persons, and they have had the opportunity to consider its possible effects and to comment on those effects to the Minister; and

    • (c) the Minister has considered any comments made to the Minister concerning those effects.

    (3) The Minister may approve an electrical code of practice or any amendment or revocation of that code without complying with the requirements of subsection (2)(a) or (b) if the Minister is satisfied that sufficient consultation has already taken place in respect of the matters in the code or amendment or revocation.

    (4) When the Minister approves an electrical code of practice or an amendment or revocation of that code, the Minister shall—

    • (a) publish a notice of the approval in the Gazette; and

    • (b) show the date of the approval on the code, amendment, or revocation and promulgate it in such manner as the Minister thinks fit.

    (5) The fact that the Minister has published in the Gazette a notice under subsection (4)(a) shall be conclusive proof that the requirements of this section have been complied with in respect of the approval specified in the notice.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 24C; 1983 No 123 s 6

39 Availability of codes
  • (1) The Secretary shall ensure that copies of all electrical codes of practice, and all amendments to such codes, that are for the time being in force are available—

    • (a) for inspection by members of the public free of charge; and

    • (b) for purchase by members of the public at a reasonable price.

    (2) The notice of approval published in the Gazette pursuant to section 38(4)(a) shall show, in relation to the code, or the amendment of a code, to which it relates, a place at which copies of the code or, as the case requires, the amendment are available for inspection free of charge and for purchase.

40 Emergency amendment of code
  • (1) If the Secretary considers it essential in the interests of safety or ensuring the continuity of the supply or conveyance of electricity to amend any electrical code of practice forthwith, the Secretary may issue an emergency amendment to the code and promulgate it in such manner as the Secretary thinks fit.

    (2) Every amendment issued under subsection (1) shall be identified as an emergency amendment issued under this section, and show the date on which it was issued.

    (3) Every such amendment shall remain in force for a period of 60 days after the date on which it was issued and may be continued in force by the Minister for such further period or periods as the Minister thinks fit, but the maximum period of time during which an emergency amendment may remain in force shall be 180 days.

    (4) Subject to subsection (5), an emergency amendment issued under this section shall for all purposes, while it remains in force, be deemed to have been issued under section 36, and to have been approved, on the date of its issue, by the Minister under section 38.

    (5) If any regulation in force under section 169 requires compliance with any electrical code of practice that has been amended under this section, that regulation shall, while the emergency amendment remains in force, be deemed to require compliance with the code as so amended notwithstanding the fact that the regulation was made before that amendment to the code came into force.

    (6) Notwithstanding anything in section 41 of the State Sector Act 1988, the Secretary shall not delegate to any other person the power conferred on the Secretary by this section.

    (7) In this section, the term Secretary includes any person who is authorised, pursuant to a direction given pursuant to section 40 of the State Sector Act 1988, to exercise the power conferred on the Secretary by this section.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 24D; 1983 No 123 s 6

    Section 40(7): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 163(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

41 Citation of code
  • In any regulations made under section 169, any electrical code of practice or amendment of an electrical code of practice may, without prejudice to any other method of citation, be cited by the title or reference given to it by the Secretary and by its date of issue; and such citation shall be deemed, subject to section 40(5), to include and refer to the latest electrical code of practice or amendment in force when the regulations were made.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 24E; 1983 No 123 s 6

42 Proof of code
  • (1) Without affecting any other method of proof, the production in any proceedings of a copy of any electrical code of practice or amendment or revocation of an electrical code of practice, purporting to have been issued by the Secretary and to have been approved by the Minister, shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be sufficient evidence that it has been issued under the authority of section 36 and approved by the Minister, on the date shown on it as the date of approval, under section 38.

    (2) Without affecting any other method of proof, the production in any proceedings of—

    • (a) a copy of an emergency amendment of an electrical code of practice purporting to have been issued by the Secretary shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be sufficient evidence that it has been issued under the authority of section 40 on the date shown on it as the date of issue:

    • (b) a certificate under the hand of the Minister that the Minister has continued such an amendment in force until a date specified in the certificate shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be sufficient evidence that the amendment has been continued in force until that date under section 40(3).

    (3) In any proceedings for an offence against this Act or against any regulations made under section 169,—

    • (a) any requirement or standard prescribed in an electrical code of practice by reference to any official standard (not being a New Zealand Standard) may be proved by the production of a copy of that official standard certified to be correct by the Secretary:

    • (b) judicial notice shall be taken of the signature of the Secretary.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 24F; 1983 No 123 s 6

43 Codes promulgated under Electricity Act 1968
  • Every electrical code of practice promulgated under the Electricity Act 1968 that was in force immediately before 1 April 1993 is deemed to be in force under this Part, and may be amended and revoked accordingly.

43A Different Ministries responsible for different codes
  • (1) In order to allow electrical codes of practice to be administered by the most appropriate Ministry, all Ministers responsible for the administration of any provision of this Act must, by agreement from time to time, identify which particular codes, or codes relating to particular matters, are to be administered by which Ministry (referred to in this section as the responsible Ministry).

    (2) In sections 36 and 37 and 39 to 42, in relation to a code, Secretary means the Secretary of the responsible Ministry.

    (3) In sections 38, 40, and 42, in relation to a code, Minister means the Minister for the time being responsible for the responsible Ministry.

    Section 43A: inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 163(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Part 5
Rural electrical reticulation

[Repealed]

  • Part 5: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

44 Rural Electrical Reticulation Council
  • [Repealed]

    Section 44: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

45 Functions of Council
  • [Repealed]

    Section 45: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

46 Council to comply with government policies
  • [Repealed]

    Section 46: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

47 Further provisions applying to Council
  • [Repealed]

    Section 47: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

48 Levies
  • [Repealed]

    Section 48: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

49 Interest on levies
  • [Repealed]

    Section 49: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

50 Application of levies
  • [Repealed]

    Section 50: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

51 Transitional provision relating to subsidies
  • [Repealed]

    Section 51: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

52 Transitional provision relating to membership of Council
  • [Repealed]

    Section 52: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

53 Council to wind up operations before dissolution
  • [Repealed]

    Section 53: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 55.

54 Dissolution of Council
  • [Repealed]

    Section 54: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

55 Expiration of provisions relating to Council
  • [Repealed]

    Section 55: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

56 Consequential amendment to Official Information Act 1982
  • [Repealed]

    Section 56: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Part 6
Miscellaneous provisions relating to supply of electricity

57 Compensation for damage
  • (1) Every person having any right, title, estate, or interest in any land or property injuriously affected by the exercise from time to time of any powers conferred by Part 2 or Part 3 on the Secretary or an electricity operator or any other owner of existing works shall be entitled to full compensation for all loss, injury, or damage suffered by that person.

    (2) In default of agreement between the parties, claims for compensation under this section shall be made and determined within the time and in the manner provided by the Public Works Act 1981, and the provisions of that Act shall, as far as they are applicable and with all necessary modifications, apply with respect to claims under this section.

    (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of any enactment or any rule of law, the exercise of any power conferred by this Act on the Secretary shall not be curtailed, suspended, or delayed by reason of the fact that any claim for compensation under this section has been made but not determined.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 16

58 Compensation for trees and vegetation removed
  • Where any tree or part of a tree or any vegetation or part of any vegetation is removed pursuant to any regulations made under section 169, compensation, to be assessed in the manner prescribed by the Public Works Act 1981, shall be payable if the tree or vegetation was growing on the land before the construction of the works or electrical installation but not in any other case.

    Compare: 1968 No 125 s 19B; 1986 No 2 s 4

59 Returns relating to construction of works, etc
  • Every person who constructs any works or electrical installation shall, where required by regulations made under section 169, furnish to the Secretary, in such form and at such time as may be prescribed, such particulars relating to the works or installation as may be prescribed by regulations made under that section.

60 Standards for electricity supply
  • All electricity distributed by an electricity distributor shall comply with such standards as are for the time being prescribed by regulations made under section 169.

61 Safety requirements
  • All works, electrical installations, and electrical appliances shall be of such quality and standard, and shall be constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with such safety requirements, as are prescribed by regulations made under section 169.

61A Electricity generators and electricity distributors must have safety management systems
  • (1) Every electricity generator and every electricity distributor that owns or operates an electricity supply system must implement and maintain, in accordance with regulations made under section 169, a safety management system that requires all practicable steps to be taken to prevent the electricity supply system from presenting a significant risk of—

    • (a) serious harm to any member of the public; or

    • (b) significant damage to property owned by a person other than the electricity generator or electricity distributor.

    (2) For the purposes of this Act, electricity supply system means,—

    • (a) in relation to an electricity generator, assets that, whether taken individually or as a whole, have a rated electricity generating capacity equal to, or greater than, 10 MW:

    • (b) in relation to an electricity distributor, assets that, whether taken individually or as a whole, are used, or designed or intended for use, in or in connection with the conversion, transformation, or conveyance of electricity at a capacity equal to, or greater than, 10 MVA.

    (3) The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make regulations for either or both of the following purposes:

    • (a) increasing the rated electricity generating capacity that applies under subsection (2)(a):

    • (b) increasing the capacity that applies under subsection (2)(b).

    Section 61A: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 12 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

62 Continuance of supply
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 164(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Part 6A
Restriction on new fossil-fuelled thermal electricity generating capacity

[Repealed]

  • Part 6A: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Preliminary provisions

  • Heading: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62A Purpose of this Part
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62A: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62B Expiry of this Part
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62B: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62C Interpretation
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62C: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Restriction on connection and operation of specified generation plant

  • Heading: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62D Restriction on connection and operation of specified generation plant
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62D: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62E Additional penalty for breach involving commercial gain
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62E: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Exemptions

  • Heading: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62F Minister of Energy may grant exemption
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62F: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62G Minister of Energy may only grant exemption if satisfied of certain matters
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62G: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62H Grounds and terms and conditions of exemption
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62H: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62I Public consultation on recommendations
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62I: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62J Publication of exemption and reasons
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62J: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62K Revocation of exemption
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62K: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62L Commission may grant temporary emergency exemption
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62L: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Enforcement

  • Heading: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62M Commission must monitor compliance
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62M: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Commission may use information collected or provided under regulations or rules

  • Heading: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62N Commission may use information collected or provided under regulations or rules
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62N: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Regulations

  • Heading: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

62O Regulations for purposes of this Part
  • [Repealed]

    Section 62O: repealed, on 23 December 2008, by section 4 of the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Repeal Act 2008 (2008 No 111).

Part 7
Price restraint

[Repealed]

63 Regulations relating to price of electricity
  • [Repealed]

    Section 63: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 67(a).

64 Definition of domestic premises
  • [Repealed]

    Section 64: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 67(a).

65 Offences
  • [Repealed]

    Section 65: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 67(a).

66 Other Acts relating to price control not affected
  • [Repealed]

    Section 66: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 67(a).

67 Expiry of this Part
  • [Repealed]

    Section 67: repealed, on 1 April 1997, by section 67(a).

Part 8
Licensing of electricity suppliers

[Repealed]

68 Definition of consumer for purposes of this Part
  • [Repealed]

    Section 68: repealed, on 1 April 1994, by section 73.

69 Licence to supply electricity
  • [Repealed]

    Section 69: repealed, on 1 April 1994, by section 73.

70 Offence
  • [Repealed]

    Section 70: repealed, on 1 April 1994, by section 73.

71 Supply of electricity to consumers outside supply area
  • [Repealed]

    Section 71: repealed, on 1 April 1994, by section 73.

72 Duty to supply
  • [Repealed]

    Section 72: repealed, on 1 April 1994, by section 73.

73 Expiry of this Part
  • [Repealed]

    Section 73: repealed, on 1 April 1994, by section 73.

Part 9
Restrictions on electrical work

  • Part 9: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

74 Restrictions on doing or assisting with prescribed electrical work
  • (1) A person must not do any prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing any prescribed electrical work, unless that person is authorised to do so under this section.

    (2) The following persons may do prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing prescribed electrical work, within the limits prescribed in regulations (if any):

    • (a) a registered person who is authorised to do, or assist in doing, the work under a current practising licence:

    • (b) a person who is authorised to do, or assist in doing, the work under a provisional licence:

    • (c) a person who is authorised to do, or assist in doing, the work under an employer licence.

    (3) A person does not do any prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing any prescribed electrical work, in breach of this section if that work is done in accordance with any of sections 75 to 80.

    (4) A body corporate that is responsible for any prescribed electrical work does not do any prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing any prescribed electrical work, in breach of this section if the natural person or natural persons who actually do, or assist in doing, that work are authorised to do so under this Act.

    (5) Subsection (1) is subject to subsections (3) and (4) and sections 75 to 81.

    (6) For the purposes of this Part and Part 10, regulations means regulations made under section 169.

    Section 74: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Exemptions

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

75 Board may exempt person or class of persons from section 74
  • (1) The Board may, if it thinks fit, by notice in the Gazette, exempt any person or class of persons from compliance with section 74 generally or in relation to a particular type of prescribed electrical work.

    (2) The Board may grant the exemption subject to any terms and conditions that it thinks fit.

    (3) A person may do any prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing any prescribed electrical work, under an exemption granted under subsection (1) if—

    • (a) the work is within the limits specified in the exemption; and

    • (b) the exemption applies to the person; and

    • (c) the work is done in accordance with the terms and conditions of the exemption; and

    • (d) the work is carried out in a competent and safe manner.

    (4) A notice published under this section is a regulation for the purposes of the Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 but is not a regulation for the purposes of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989.

    Section 75: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

76 Exemption for work done under supervision
  • A person (the supervised person) may do any prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing any prescribed electrical work, if—

    • (a) that work is within the limits prescribed in regulations made for the purposes of this section; and

    • (b) the work done by the supervised person is carried out under the supervision of a registered person who holds a current practising licence issued under this Act that authorises the person to supervise electrical work; and

    • (c) except as provided in any regulations, while that work is being carried out by the supervised person, no part of the work is connected to a power supply; and

    • (d) the work is—

      • (i) tested and certified in accordance with regulations; and

      • (ii) connected to a power supply by a registered person who holds a current practising licence issued under this Act that authorises the person to supervise electrical work.

    Section 76: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

77 Exemption for trainees
  • (1) A person may do, or assist in doing, any prescribed electrical work if—

    • (a) that work is within the limits prescribed in regulations made for the purposes of this section; and

    • (b) the person is a trainee in relation to the work; and

    • (c) the work done by that person is carried out in accordance with a limited certificate issued by the Board to the trainee under section 78.

    (2) In this section, trainee

    • (a) means a person who is undergoing instruction or training in any class of prescribed electrical work for the purpose of obtaining registration as a registered person; and

    • (b) includes an apprentice who is working in the electricity industry.

    (3) This section does not prevent a trainee from doing, or assisting in doing, work under section 76 (which allows work to be done under supervision).

    Section 77: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

78 Board may issue limited certificate for purposes of section 77
  • (1) The Board may, on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), issue to any person a limited certificate for the purposes of section 77.

    (2) The Board may issue the limited certificate subject to any terms and conditions that the Board thinks fit.

    (3) The Board may, by written notice to a person, revoke, amend, or add to any term or condition imposed in relation to that person's certificate.

    (4) A limited certificate issued under this section, unless it is sooner cancelled, is in force for the period, not exceeding 5 years, specified in the certificate, but it may from time to time be renewed for a further term not exceeding 5 years.

    (5) The Board may, if it thinks fit, refuse to renew any limited certificate.

    (6) A limited certificate issued under this section may be cancelled by the Board—

    • (a) if the Board considers that any of the terms or conditions of the certificate have not been met; or

    • (b) following the determination of an application for registration as a registered person or for a practising licence.

    Section 78: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

79 Exemption for domestic electrical wiring work
  • (1) The owner of any premises that are occupied, or intended to be occupied, by that person as a residence for that person, or for that person and members of that person's family, may do any electrical wiring work, or assist in doing any electrical wiring work, in relation to those premises, if—

    • (a) the work is within the limits prescribed in regulations made for the purposes of this section; and

    • (b) the work is carried out in accordance with the requirements of any regulations; and

    • (c) the work is carried out in a competent and safe manner; and

    • (d) while that work is being carried out, no part of the work is connected to a power supply; and

    • (e) the work is, before connection to a power supply, tested and certified, in accordance with regulations, by a registered person who holds a current practising licence issued under this Act that authorises that person to test and certify prescribed electrical work; and

    • (f) the work is connected to a power supply by the registered person referred to in paragraph (e).

    (2) Subsection (1)(e) and (f) apply only if required by regulations.

    (3) For the purposes of subsection (1), owner, in relation to any premises, means the person who (whether alone or as a joint tenant or tenant in common) would for the time being be entitled to receive the rack rent of the premises on his or her own account if the premises were let to a tenant at a rack rent.

    Section 79: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

80 Exemption for maintenance of domestic appliances
  • (1) The owner of any electrical appliance may do any prescribed electrical work, or assist in doing any prescribed electrical work, in relation to that appliance if—

    • (a) the appliance is kept principally for the use of that person, or any near relative of that person, or both; and

    • (b) the appliance is used principally for domestic purposes and not for commercial or industrial purposes; and

    • (c) the work is within the limits prescribed in regulations made for the purposes of this section; and

    • (d) the work is carried out in accordance with the requirements of any regulations; and

    • (e) the work is carried out in a competent and safe manner; and

    • (f) while that work is being carried out, the appliance is not connected to a power supply; and

    • (g) the work is, before connection to a power supply, tested and certified, in accordance with regulations, by a registered person who holds a current practising licence issued under this Act that authorises that person to test and certify prescribed electrical work.

    (2) Subsection (1)(g) applies only if required by regulations.

    (3) For the purposes of subsection (1), near relative, in relation to any person, means—

    • (a) a grandparent of that person:

    • (b) a parent or step-parent of that person:

    • (c) a parent or step-parent of that person's spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner:

    • (d) a brother or sister of that person, including a half-brother or half-sister:

    • (e) that person's spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner:

    • (f) a child or step-child of that person:

    • (g) a grandchild of that person.

    Section 80: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Board may cancel application of exemption

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

81 Board may cancel application of exemption to any person
  • (1) The Board may, by notice in writing to a person, cancel the application of any exemption under sections 76 to 80 to the person from a date specified in the notice.

    (2) The exemption referred to in the notice under subsection (1) ceases to apply to the person from the date specified in the notice.

    (3) The Board may not cancel the application of an exemption under subsection (1) unless it has first—

    • (a) informed the person concerned why it may cancel the application of the exemption; and

    • (b) given the person a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions and be heard on the question, either personally or by his or her representative.

    Section 81: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Testing, certification, and inspection

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

82 Testing, certification, and inspection
  • (1) If any prescribed electrical work is carried out, that work or, as the case may require, the works or electrical installation or electrical appliance in respect of which that work is carried out must not be connected to a power supply unless the testing, certification, and inspection that is required by regulations has been carried out.

    (2) A person must not sell, or offer for sale, any works or electrical installation or electrical appliance that has not been tested and certified in accordance with regulations.

    (3) A person must not supply electricity to any works or electrical installation unless that person is satisfied that any inspection and certification required in respect of those works or that installation by regulations has been carried out.

    (4) This section does not prevent the connection, to any power supply, of any works, electrical installation, or electrical appliance, or the supply of electricity to any works or electrical installation, if that connection or supply is solely for the purposes of carrying out any testing, inspection, or certification required by any regulations.

    Section 82: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

83 Power of entry
  • (1) For the purpose of ensuring that the requirements of section 82 are complied with in relation to any prescribed electrical work, any person authorised by the Board for the purpose may, at any reasonable time, enter any premises (including a dwellinghouse) and—

    • (a) inspect and test any prescribed electrical work on those premises that is, or is intended to be, connected to a power supply:

    • (b) make any inquiries that are necessary to determine whether or not any prescribed electrical work on those premises has been properly tested, certified, or inspected.

    (2) The power of entry under subsection (1) may be exercised whether or not there are any grounds to believe that any prescribed electrical work has not been properly carried out.

    (3) Every person must give reasonable notice of that person's intention to enter any premises under subsection (1) to both the owner and the occupier of the premises.

    (4) Every person must, on entering any premises under subsection (1), and when requested at any subsequent time, produce to the person in charge of the premises—

    • (a) evidence of that person's authority to enter the premises; and

    • (b) evidence of that person's identity.

    Section 83: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Part 10
Registration and licensing of electrical workers and employer licences

  • Part 10: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Subpart 1Electrical worker registration and licensing

  • Subpart 1 heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Classes of registration

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

84 Classes of registration may be designated by Board
  • (1) The Board may, by notice in the Gazette,—

    • (a) designate classes of registration for the purposes of registration under this subpart; and

    • (b) specify for each of those classes the prescribed electrical work that a person is authorised to do, or assist in doing, by virtue of being a registered person of a particular class and holding a current practising licence.

    (2) The notice may describe the classes of registration in any way the Board thinks fit, including in 1 or more of the following ways:

    • (a) by reference to a name or form of words that is commonly understood by persons who carry out electrical work:

    • (b) by reference to an area of science or learning:

    • (c) by reference to tasks commonly performed.

    (3) In specifying the work that may be carried out by registered persons who hold current practising licences, the Board may impose limitations on the circumstances in which a registered person may do, or assist in doing, that work.

    Section 84: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

85 Board may prescribe other registration and licensing matters
  • (1) The Board may, by notice in the Gazette,—

    • (a) prescribe for each class of registration the minimum standards for registration (including standards relating to required competence, qualifications, and experience) that persons must meet in order to be registered as registered persons and to be issued with practising licences; and

    • (b) prescribe for each class of registration the terms and conditions subject to which persons are registered as registered persons; and

    • (c) prescribe for each class of registration the terms and conditions subject to which practising licences are issued; and

    • (d) prescribe requirements relating to the completion of competence programmes in respect of persons who—

      • (i) apply for practising licences or provisional licences; or

      • (ii) hold practising licences or provisional licences; or

      • (iii) apply for renewals of practising licences or provisional licences; and

    • (e) prescribe requirements relating to competent and safe work practices and the testing of those practices; and

    • (f) recognise any overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence as satisfying a particular minimum standard for registration (in whole or in part) if, in the opinion of the Board, that overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence is equivalent to, or as satisfactory as, the standard, or part of the standard, that is treated as being satisfied.

    (2) The terms and conditions referred to in subsection (1)(c) may include, for example,—

    • (a) a term that authorises the person to test or certify work or to supervise work:

    • (b) a condition that requires compliance with the requirements referred to in subsection (1)(e):

    • (c) a condition that requires the person to complete a competence programme:

    • (d) a condition that imposes limitations on the circumstances in which the person may do, or assist in doing, work:

    • (e) a condition that imposes limits on the work that the person may do, or assist in doing, under the practising licence.

    (3) The Board may make arrangements with the appropriate authorities controlling the registration, licensing, or recognition of electrical workers outside New Zealand for the reciprocal recognition of registration, licences, certificates, or other evidence of proficiency in electrical work.

    Section 85: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

86 Minimum standards for registration
  • (1) A notice under section 85 may prescribe minimum standards for registration in any way the Board thinks fit, including in 1 or more of the following ways:

    • (a) by requiring a degree or diploma or certificate of a stated kind recognised by the Board:

    • (b) by requiring the successful completion of a competence programme, degree, or course of studies accredited by the Board:

    • (c) by requiring a pass in a specified examination or any other assessment set by the Board or by another organisation approved by the Board:

    • (d) by reference to registration with, or a licence issued by, an overseas organisation that performs functions that correspond wholly or partly to those performed by the Board:

    • (e) by requiring experience in the provision of services of a particular kind:

    • (f) by requiring a certain level of competence.

    (2) However, the minimum standards for registration prescribed under section 85 may require a person to pass a specified examination or other assessment set by the Board only if the Board is satisfied that the person does not have a degree, diploma, or certificate of a stated kind recognised by the Board under subsection (1)(a).

    Section 86: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

87 Principles guiding prescribing of registration and licensing matters
  • In prescribing matters under section 84 or 85, the Board must be guided by the following principles:

    • (a) the matters must be necessary to—

      • (i) protect the health or safety of members of the public; or

      • (ii) promote the prevention of damage to property; or

      • (iii) promote the competency of persons who do, or assist in doing, prescribed electrical work; or

      • (iv) carry out, give effect to, or provide for a matter that is incidental to, or consequential on, the matters relating to subparagraph (i), (ii), or (iii); and

    • (b) the matters may not unnecessarily restrict the registration or licensing of persons as electrical workers; and

    • (c) the matters may not impose undue costs on electrical workers or on the public.

    Section 87: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

88 Board must consult before publishing notices
  • (1) Before the Board publishes a notice under section 84 or 85(1)(a) to (e), the Board must have consulted about its proposal for the contents of the notice—

    • (a) with persons who the Board considers are able to represent the views of electrical workers, or of classes of electrical workers, registered under this Act; and

    • (b) with organisations—

      • (i) that the Board considers will be substantially affected by the proposal; or

      • (ii) whose members the Board considers will be substantially affected by the proposal.

    (2) A failure to comply with subsection (1) does not affect the validity of any notice published under section 84 or 85(1)(a) to (e).

    Section 88: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

89 Notices published under sections 84 and 85 must be approved by Minister
  • (1) The Board must, before publishing a notice under section 84 or 85, submit the proposed notice for the approval of the Minister.

    (2) The Minister must, as soon as practicable after receiving a proposed notice under subsection (1), by written notice to the Board,—

    • (a) approve it; or

    • (b) decline to approve it.

    (3) If the Minister declines to approve a proposed notice,—

    • (a) the Minister must indicate the grounds on which he or she declines to approve it; and

    • (b) the Minister may direct the Board to prepare and submit a revised proposed notice; and

    • (c) the Board must, as soon as practicable after receiving a direction under paragraph (b), submit a revised proposed notice under subsection (1).

    (4) A proposed notice may be published under section 84 or 85 after it is approved by the Minister.

    Section 89: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

90 Other provisions relating to notices under sections 84 and 85
  • (1) The Board must ensure that an up-to-date version of each notice that the Board has published under section 84 or 85 is—

    • (a) available at all reasonable times on an Internet website maintained by or on behalf of the Board; and

    • (b) available at the office of the Board during business hours, so that members of the public may—

      • (i) inspect the notice free of charge; or

      • (ii) obtain a copy of the notice for a reasonable fee.

    (2) Each notice published under section 84 or 85 is a regulation for the purposes of the Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 but is not a regulation for the purposes of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989.

    Section 90: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

How to become registered

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

91 Entitlement to registration
  • An individual is entitled to be registered under this subpart if the individual satisfies the Board—

    • (a) that he or she has complied with the application requirements in section 92; and

    • (b) that he or she meets the applicable minimum standards for registration; and

    • (c) that he or she is not precluded from being registered because of any action taken by the Board under section 147M; and

    • (d) that he or she is a fit and proper person to be registered under this subpart; and

    • (e) that he or she has paid the prescribed fee (if any).

    Section 91: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

92 Applications for registration
  • (1) An application for registration under this subpart must—

    • (a) be sent or delivered to either—

      • (i) the Registrar; or

      • (ii) the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board if the application is to be considered by that Board under section 114; and

    • (b) be in the prescribed form or, if there is no prescribed form, in the form required by the Board; and

    • (c) contain, or be accompanied by, the information and documentation required by the Board; and

    • (d) be accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any).

    (2) The Registrar must refer any application received by the Registrar under this section to the Board for consideration under section 95.

    Section 92: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

93 Board may issue provisional licence pending consideration of application
  • (1) The Board may, on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), issue to any person a provisional licence to carry out any specified electrical work.

    (2) The Board may issue the licence subject to any terms and conditions that the Board thinks fit.

    (3) A provisional licence authorises the holder, while the licence is in force pending the consideration of his or her application for registration or a practising licence (or both) under this subpart, to do, or assist in doing, the work that is specified in the licence.

    Section 93: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

94 Duration of provisional licence
  • (1) A provisional licence, unless it is sooner suspended or cancelled, is in force for the period, not exceeding 12 months, specified in the licence, but it may from time to time be renewed for a further period not exceeding 12 months.

    (2) The Board may, if it thinks fit, refuse to renew any provisional licence.

    (3) A provisional licence may be cancelled—

    • (b) if the Board considers that any of the terms or conditions of the licence have not been met; or

    • (c) following the determination of an application for registration or a practising licence under this subpart.

    Section 94: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

95 Board to consider application
  • (1) The Board must consider each application for registration under this subpart as soon as practicable after receiving it.

    (2) In considering an application for registration under this subpart, the Board must,—

    • (a) if the applicant has previously had his or her registration or practising licence cancelled under this Act, have regard to the reasons for that cancellation; and

    • (b) observe the rules of natural justice; and

    • (c) without limiting those rules, give an applicant—

      • (i) notice of any matter that might result in the application being declined; and

      • (ii) a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Board on the matter.

    Section 95: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

96 Board to register applicant or decline application
  • (1) If the Board is satisfied that the applicant is entitled, under section 91, to be registered under this subpart, the Board must direct the Registrar to—

    • (a) register the applicant as a registered person of a particular class; and

    • (b) send to the applicant a certificate of registration; and

    • (c) enter details of that person's registration in the register; and

    • (d) issue a unique identifier (for example, a registration number) to the applicant, and notify the applicant of that identifier.

    (2) If the Board is not satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be registered under this subpart, the Board must notify the applicant of—

    • (a) the Board's decision; and

    • (b) the applicant's right of appeal to a District Court against the decision.

    (3) As soon as practicable after receiving the Board's direction under subsection (1), the Registrar must enter the details of the registration in the register.

    Section 96: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

97 Registration subject to terms and conditions
  • (1) The registration of a registered person is subject to—

    • (a) the terms and conditions imposed by notices published under section 85(1)(b) in relation to the class of registration concerned; and

    • (b) any other terms and conditions that the Board thinks fit.

    (2) The Board may, by written notice to a registered person, revoke, amend, or add to any term or condition imposed under subsection (1).

    (3) Subsection (1)(a) is subject to subsection (2) and section 107.

    Section 97: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

How to become licensed

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

98 Practising licence required
  • (1) A registered person is not authorised to do, or assist in doing, prescribed electrical work that the person is otherwise authorised to do by virtue of that person's registration unless that person is the holder of a current practising licence issued under this subpart that authorises the person to do, or assist in doing, the work.

    (2) Subsection (1) is subject to sections 75 to 80.

    (3) Any authority given under a practising licence issued under this subpart to a registered person to do, or assist in doing, any prescribed electrical work is sufficient authority for the person so authorised to do or, as the case may be, assist in doing that work.

    (4) Subsection (3) is subject to the terms and conditions imposed under section 103 and to any regulations.

    Section 98: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

99 Entitlement to practising licence
  • A registered person is entitled to be issued with a practising licence under this subpart for a class of registration in respect of which that person is registered if the individual satisfies the Board—

    • (a) that he or she has complied with the application requirements in section 100; and

    • (b) that he or she meets the current applicable minimum standards for registration; and

    • (c) that he or she is not precluded from holding a licence because of any action taken by the Board under section 147M; and

    • (d) that he or she is a fit and proper person to be issued with a practising licence; and

    • (e) that he or she has paid the prescribed fee (if any).

    Section 99: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

100 Applications for practising licence
  • (1) An application for a practising licence under this subpart must—

    • (a) be sent or delivered to either—

      • (i) the Registrar; or

      • (ii) the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board if the application is to be considered by that Board under section 114; and

    • (b) be in the prescribed form or, if there is no prescribed form, in the form required by the Board; and

    • (c) contain, or be accompanied by, the information and documentation required by the Board; and

    • (d) be accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any).

    (2) The Registrar must refer any application received by the Registrar under this section to the Board for consideration under section 101.

    Section 100: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

101 Board to consider application
  • (1) The Board must consider each application for a practising licence under this subpart as soon as practicable after receiving it.

    (2) In considering an application for a practising licence under this subpart, the Board must,—

    • (a) if the applicant has previously had his or her registration or practising licence cancelled under this Act, have regard to the reasons for that cancellation; and

    • (b) observe the rules of natural justice; and

    • (c) without limiting those rules, give the applicant—

      • (i) notice of any matter that might result in the application being declined; and

      • (ii) a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Board on the matter.

    Section 101: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

102 Board to issue practising licence or decline application
  • (1) If the Board is satisfied that the applicant is entitled, under section 99, to be issued with a practising licence under this subpart, the Board must—

    • (a) issue to the applicant a practising licence for a class of registration in respect of which that person is registered; and

    • (b) send to the applicant evidence of the issue of that practising licence; and

    • (c) direct the Registrar to enter details of that person's practising licence in the register.

    (2) If the Board is not satisfied that the applicant is entitled to be issued with a practising licence under this subpart, the Board must notify the applicant of—

    • (a) the Board's decision; and

    • (b) the applicant's right of appeal to a District Court against the decision.

    (3) As soon as practicable after receiving the Board's direction under subsection (1), the Registrar must enter the details of the practising licence in the register.

    Section 102: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

103 Practising licence subject to terms and conditions
  • (1) A practising licence issued to a registered person is subject to—

    • (a) the terms and conditions imposed by notices published under section 85(1)(c) in relation to the class of registration concerned; and

    • (b) any other terms and conditions that the Board thinks fit.

    (2) The terms and conditions may include, for example,—

    • (a) terms and conditions of the kind referred to in section 85(2):

    • (b) a condition that imposes limits on the circumstances in which the particular practising licence holder may do, or assist in doing, work:

    • (c) a condition that imposes limits on the work that the particular practising licence holder may do, or assist in doing, under the licence.

    (3) The conditions referred to in subsection (2)(b) and (c) may be in addition to, or instead of, any other limits that would otherwise apply in respect of the class of registration concerned.

    (4) The Board may, by written notice to a registered person, revoke, amend, or add to any term or condition imposed under subsection (1).

    (5) Subsection (1)(a) is subject to subsection (4) and section 107.

    Section 103: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Duration and renewal of practising licence

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

104 Duration of practising licence
  • (1) A practising licence issued under this subpart must specify the date of its expiry.

    (2) The date of expiry must not be later than 5 years after the date of the issue or renewal of the practising licence.

    (3) A practising licence continues in force until the close of the date of its expiry unless sooner suspended or cancelled under this Act.

    Section 104: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

105 Applications for renewal of practising licence
  • (1) An application for the renewal of a practising licence under this subpart—

    • (a) must not be made earlier than 3 months before the licence's date of expiry; and

    • (b) must be sent or delivered to either—

      • (i) the Registrar; or

      • (ii) the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board if the application is to be considered by that Board under section 114; and

    • (c) must be in the prescribed form or, if there is no prescribed form, in the form required by the Board; and

    • (d) must contain, or be accompanied by, the information and documentation required by the Board; and

    • (e) must be accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any).

    (2) The Registrar must refer any application received by the Registrar under this section to the Board for consideration under section 106.

    (3) If an application for the renewal of a practising licence is made before the licence's date of expiry but the licence has not been renewed before that date, the licence continues in force until the application is determined.

    Section 105: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

106 Renewal of practising licence
  • (1) A registered person is entitled to a renewal of his or her practising licence if the Board is satisfied that—

    • (a) the person has complied with the application requirements in section 105; and

    • (b) the person complies with the current applicable minimum standards for registration; and

    • (c) there is no reason to believe that the person has breached any term or condition of the licence during the period before the licence is renewed; and

    • (d) the person is a fit and proper person to hold a practising licence; and

    • (e) the person has satisfied the requirements of a competence programme that the person is required to complete under subsection (5).

    (2) If the Board is satisfied that the registered person is entitled to a renewal of his or her practising licence, the Board must direct the Registrar to—

    • (a) renew the licence for the period (not exceeding 5 years) that the Board thinks fit; and

    • (b) send to the person notification of the Board's decision; and

    • (c) enter details of the renewal in the register.

    (3) If the Board is not satisfied that the registered person is entitled to a renewal of his or her practising licence, the Board must notify the person of—

    • (a) the Board's decision; and

    • (b) the person's right of appeal to a District Court against the decision.

    (4) For the purposes of subsection (1)(c), the Board may, if it thinks fit, disregard a breach of a term or condition of the practising licence.

    (5) The Board may require a registered person to complete a competence programme before it renews that person's practising licence (regardless of whether or not the Board is satisfied of the matters referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (d)) if the person is required to complete a competence programme when applying for a renewal of the licence in accordance with a condition or requirement imposed by a notice published under section 85.

    (6) Despite subsection (1), if any fee or other money payable to the Board under this Act by the registered person has not been paid, the Board may refuse to renew that person's practising licence until that fee or other money is paid.

    Section 106: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Exemptions from registration and practising licence requirements and conditions

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

107 Board may grant exemptions from registration and practising licence requirements and conditions
  • (1) The Board may,—

    • (a) by written notice to a person, exempt the person from compliance with—

      • (i) the minimum standards for registration that the person must meet in order to be registered as a registered person or issued with a practising licence or to obtain a renewal of a practising licence; and

      • (ii) any terms and conditions imposed by notices published under section 85 that must be complied with by the person; and

    • (b) by notice in the Gazette, exempt any class of persons from compliance with—

      • (i) the minimum standards for registration that those persons must meet in order to be registered as registered persons or issued with practising licences or to obtain renewals of practising licences; and

      • (ii) the terms and conditions imposed by notices published under section 85 that must be complied with by those persons.

    (2) The Board may grant an exemption subject to any terms and conditions that it thinks fit.

    (3) Each notice published in the Gazette under this section is a regulation for the purposes of the Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 but is not a regulation for the purposes of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989.

    Section 107: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Competence

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

108 Competence programmes
  • (1) For the purpose of examining or improving the competence of persons who do, or assist in doing, prescribed electrical work, the Board may set or recognise competence programmes in respect of persons who—

    • (a) apply for practising licences or provisional licences; or

    • (b) hold practising licences or provisional licences; or

    • (c) apply for renewals of practising licences or provisional licences.

    (2) Any competence programme may be made to apply generally in respect of all of those persons, or in respect of a specified person, or in respect of any specified class of those persons.

    (3) However, a registered person may be required by the Board to complete a competence programme only if 1 or more of the following applies:

    • (a) the registration of the person or the practising licence held by the person is subject to a condition imposed by a notice published under section 85 that requires the person to complete a competence programme; or

    • (b) the person is required to complete a competence programme in accordance with an applicable minimum standard for registration; or

    • (c) the person is required to complete a competence programme in accordance with a requirement imposed by a notice published under section 85(1)(d); or

    • (d) the person is required to complete a competence programme under Part 11 (which relates to discipline).

    (4) Any competence programme may require a person to do 1 or more of the following, within the period, or at the intervals, prescribed in the programme:

    • (a) pass an examination:

    • (b) complete a period of practical training:

    • (c) complete a period of practical experience:

    • (d) undertake a course of studies:

    • (e) anything else that the Board considers appropriate.

    (5) The Board may specify a period within which the person to whom a competence programme applies must comply with the requirements of the programme.

    (6) The Board may exempt any person or class of persons from all or any of the requirements of a competence programme.

    Section 108: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

109 Unsatisfactory results of competence programme
  • (1) If any person who is required to complete a competence programme does not satisfy the requirements of the programme, the Board may make 1 or more of the following orders:

    • (a) that the person's practising licence or provisional licence be subject to any condition that the Board considers appropriate:

    • (b) that the person's practising licence or provisional licence be suspended:

    • (c) that the person's application for a renewal of a practising licence or provisional licence be declined.

    (2) The Board may not suspend a licence under subsection (1) unless it has first—

    • (a) informed the person concerned why it may suspend the licence of that person; and

    • (b) given that person a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions and be heard on the question, either personally or by his or her representative.

    (3) The Registrar must ensure that a copy of the order made under subsection (1) is given to the person concerned.

    (4) An order made under subsection (1) takes effect from the day on which a copy of the order is given to the person concerned or from any date that is specified in the order, whichever is the later.

    (5) Any order made under subsection (1)(a) or (b) remains in effect until the time that the person concerned has satisfied all the requirements of the competence programme, and for that purpose the Board may extend the period within which the person is required to satisfy those requirements.

    Section 109: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Cancellation and suspension

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

110 Cancellation and suspension generally
  • (1) The Board may cancel a person's registration, practising licence, or provisional licence—

    • (a) if the person, by written notice, requests that the Board do so; or

    • (b) if the Board believes on reasonable grounds that the person has died; or

    • (c) in accordance with section 112 (which concerns the cancellation of registration or of a licence if the registration or licence was obtained wrongfully); or

    • (d) in accordance with section 113 (which concerns the cancellation or suspension of an overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence); or

    • (e) in accordance with section 132 (which concerns the revision of the register); or

    • (f) in accordance with Part 11 (which concerns disciplinary proceedings).

    (2) If a person's registration is cancelled, the practising licence held by the person for the class of registration concerned (if any) is also cancelled.

    (3) The Board may suspend—

    • (a) a person's registration—

      • (i) in accordance with section 113 (which concerns the cancellation or suspension of an overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence); or

      • (ii) in accordance with Part 11 (which concerns disciplinary proceedings):

    • (b) a person's practising licence or provisional licence—

      • (i) in accordance with section 109 (which concerns competence); or

      • (ii) in accordance with section 113 (which concerns the cancellation or suspension of an overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence); or

      • (iii) in accordance with Part 11 (which concerns disciplinary proceedings).

    (4) The cancellation or suspension of the registration, practising licence, or provisional licence of a person under this Act does not affect that person's liability for any act or default occurring before the cancellation or suspension.

    (5) If a person is registered under this Part in respect of more than 1 class of registration, the Board may exercise its powers to cancel or suspend registration or a practising licence under this Act in respect of each of those classes or 1 or more of those classes as the Board thinks fit.

    Section 110: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

111 Effect of suspension
  • (1) If a person's registration is suspended,—

    • (a) the person is not a registered person, for the class of registration concerned, for the period during which the registration is suspended; and

    • (b) the practising licence held by the person for the class of registration concerned (if any) is also suspended for the period during which the registration is suspended.

    (2) If a person's practising licence is suspended, the person—

    • (a) is not the holder of a current practising licence, for the class of registration concerned, for the period during which the licence is suspended; and

    • (b) is not authorised to do, or assist in doing, work under that licence for the period during which the licence is suspended.

    (3) If a person's provisional licence is suspended, the person—

    • (a) is not a provisional licence holder for the period during which the licence is suspended; and

    • (b) is not authorised to do, or assist in doing, work under that licence for the period during which the licence is suspended.

    (4) At the end of the period of suspension, the person's registration, practising licence, or provisional licence is immediately revived (unless there is some other ground to suspend or cancel the registration or licence).

    (5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not prevent the Registrar from including information in the register in relation to the person under section 128(1).

    (6) Subsection (3) does not prevent the Registrar from including information in the register in relation to the person under section 128(2).

    Section 111: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

112 Board may cancel registration or licence if obtained wrongfully
  • (1) The Board may order the cancellation of a person's registration, practising licence, or provisional licence if it is satisfied that he or she—

    • (a) obtained registration or obtained the licence by making a false or misleading representation or declaration (whether oral or written); or

    • (b) was not entitled to be registered or issued with the licence.

    (2) The Board may not act under subsection (1) unless it has first—

    • (a) informed the person concerned why it may act under that subsection; and

    • (b) given that person a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions and be heard on the question, either personally or by his or her representative.

    (3) The Registrar must ensure that a copy of the order made under this section is given to the person concerned.

    (4) An order made under this section takes effect from the day on which a copy of the order is given to the person concerned or from any date that is specified in the order, whichever is the later.

    Section 112: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

113 Cancellation or suspension of overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence
  • (1) The Board may review the registration, practising licence, or provisional licence of a person who was registered or issued with the licence by virtue of an overseas qualification, certificate, registration, or licence if satisfied that—

    • (a) the educational establishment that gave him or her an overseas qualification or certificate has cancelled or suspended it (or taken action equivalent to cancelling or suspending it); or

    • (b) an overseas authority that maintains a register of people registered or licensed as electrical workers has, as a result of disciplinary action taken against the person,—

      • (i) removed his or her name from that register; or

      • (ii) cancelled his or her licence; or

      • (iii) suspended his or her registration or licence; or

      • (iv) taken action equivalent to an action referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) or (iii).

    (2) The form of a review under this section is at the Board's discretion.

    (3) However, in conducting the review, the Board must give the person concerned—

    • (a) the particulars that are reasonably necessary to clearly inform the person of the substance of the grounds on which the Board has decided to carry out the review; and

    • (b) a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions and be heard on the question, either personally or by his or her representative.

    (4) After the review, the Board may, if it thinks fit,—

    • (a) order the suspension of the person's registration, practising licence, or provisional licence for any period it thinks fit; or

    • (b) order the cancellation of the person's registration, practising licence, or provisional licence.

    (5) The Registrar must ensure that a copy of the order made under subsection (4) is given to the person concerned.

    (6) An order made under subsection (4) takes effect from the day on which a copy of the order is given to the person concerned or from any date that is specified in the order, whichever is the later.

    Section 113: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Miscellaneous provision

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

114 Board may delegate power to Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board to act under this subpart
  • (1) The Board may delegate any of the functions or powers of the Board under this subpart, either generally or specifically, to the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board.

    (2) The Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board may, unless the delegation provides otherwise, perform the function or exercise the power in the same manner, subject to the same restrictions, and with the same effect as if the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board were the Board.

    (3) If the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board purports to perform a function or exercise a power under a delegation, the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board—

    • (a) is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, presumed to do so in accordance with the terms of that delegation; and

    • (b) must produce evidence of its authority to do so, if reasonably requested to do so.

    (4) The Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board must—

    • (a) give effect to any direction given to it by the Board in relation to the performance of functions or the exercise of powers under this section; and

    • (b) notify the Board if it has registered a person or issued a licence under this Act.

    (5) No delegation under this section—

    • (a) affects or prevents the performance of any function or the exercise of any power by the Board; or

    • (b) affects the responsibility of the Board for the actions of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board acting under the delegation; or

    • (c) is affected by any change in the membership of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board or the Board.

    Section 114: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Subpart 2Employer licences

  • Subpart 2 heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

115 Employer licence
  • (1) A person is, on application in the prescribed form (if any) and on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), entitled to be issued with an employer licence by the Board if the person satisfies the Board that the person will at all times maintain a system of operation—

    • (a) that complies with the requirements that are prescribed by regulations; and

    • (b) that is sufficient to ensure that employees of that person who do, or assist in doing, prescribed electrical work—

      • (i) are competent to carry out the range of work for which they are employed; and

      • (ii) receive the supervision and training that is necessary to ensure that the work—

        • (A) is carried out safely and competently; and

        • (B) complies with the requirements of this Act and any regulations.

    (2) However, a person is not entitled to be issued with an employer licence if the person is precluded from holding an employer licence because of any action taken by the Board under section 120.

    (3) The Board may impose in respect of any employer licence issued under this section any terms and conditions that the Board thinks fit (for example, by restricting the types of prescribed electrical work that may otherwise be done under the licence).

    Section 115: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

116 Requirements treated as satisfied if person obtains certification from approved person
  • (1) A person must be treated as maintaining a system of operation described in section 115(1)(a) and (b) if an approved person, in the prescribed manner, certifies that the system of operation complies with those provisions, and issues a certificate to that effect in the prescribed form.

    (2) A certification under subsection (1) ceases to have effect if—

    • (a) the approved person, by notice in writing to the certificate holder, revokes the certificate; or

    • (b) the term of the certification comes to an end.

    (3) For the purposes of this section, approved person means—

    • (a) a person designated by regulations as an approved person:

    • (b) a member of a class of persons designated by regulations as a class of approved persons.

    Section 116: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

117 Prescribed electrical work may be done under employer licence
  • (1) An employer licence authorises the licence holder to authorise any employee of that person to do, or assist in doing, any prescribed electrical work.

    (2) Any authority given under an employer licence to any person to do, or assist in doing, any prescribed electrical work is sufficient authority for the person so authorised to do or, as the case may be, assist in doing that work.

    (3) This section is subject to the terms and conditions imposed under section 115 and to any regulations.

    Section 117: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

118 Duration of employer licence
  • An employer licence, unless it is sooner cancelled or suspended, is in force for the period (not exceeding 5 years) that is specified in the licence, and comes into force on the date of its issue.

    Section 118: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

119 Renewal of employer licence
  • (1) Every employer licence, unless it has been cancelled, may from time to time be renewed in accordance with this section.

    (2) An application for the renewal of an employer licence must—

    • (a) be sent or delivered to the Registrar; and

    • (b) be in the prescribed form or, if there is no prescribed form, in the form required by the Board; and

    • (c) contain, or be accompanied by, the information and documentation required by the Board; and

    • (d) be accompanied by the prescribed fee (if any).

    (3) The Registrar must refer any application received by the Registrar under subsection (2) to the Board for consideration under this section.

    (4) On receiving an application under subsection (3), the Board may renew the employer licence to which the application relates for the period (not exceeding 5 years) that the Board thinks fit.

    (5) However, the Board must not renew an employer licence unless the Board is satisfied that the applicant meets all the requirements for the issue of an employer licence.

    (6) If an application for the renewal of an employer licence has been made but not dealt with before the licence expires, the licence continues in force until the application is dealt with by the Board, and any renewal in that case must take effect from the date on which the licence would (but for the renewal) have expired.

    Section 119: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

120 Cancellation, suspension, and other actions in relation to employer licences
  • (1) The Board may (in relation to a matter raised by a complaint or by its own inquiries) take any of the actions referred to in subsection (2) in relation to an employer licence if it is satisfied that the employer licence holder—

    • (a) obtained the licence by making a false or misleading representation or declaration (whether oral or written); or

    • (b) was not entitled to be issued with an employer licence; or

    • (c) no longer meets all the requirements for the issue of an employer licence; or

    • (d) has failed to comply with any term or condition imposed by the Board in respect of that licence; or

    • (e) has failed to ensure that the prescribed electrical work done by employees of that person—

      • (i) is at all times carried out safely and competently; and

      • (ii) complies with the requirements of this Act and any regulations.

    (2) In any case to which subsection (1) applies, the Board may—

    • (a) do both of the following things:

      • (i) order that the employer licence be cancelled; and

      • (ii) order that the employer licence holder may not apply to be issued with an employer licence before the expiry of a specified period:

    • (b) order that the employer licence be suspended—

      • (i) for any period that the Board thinks fit; or

      • (ii) until the employer licence holder does any things that the Board may specify (for example, reviewing and improving safety procedures):

    • (c) order that the employer licence be restricted, for any period that the Board thinks fit, by limiting the prescribed electrical work that the employer licence holder may authorise an employee to do, or assist in doing, to the work that the Board may specify, and in imposing a limitation of this type the Board may also impose limitations on the circumstances in which an employee may do, or assist in doing, that work:

    • (d) order the employer licence holder to pay a fine not exceeding $50,000:

    • (e) order that the employer licence holder be censured:

    • (f) make no order under this subsection.

    (3) The Board may take only 1 type of action in subsection (2) in relation to a case, except that it may impose a fine under subsection (2)(d) in addition to taking the action under subsection (2)(b), (c), or (e).

    (4) No fine may be imposed under subsection (2)(d) in relation to an act or omission that constitutes an—

    • (a) offence for which the person has been convicted by a court; or

    • (b) infringement offence for which the person has been issued with an infringement notice and has paid an infringement fee.

    (5) The Board may take an action under this section whether or not the person is still an employer licence holder.

    Section 120: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

121 Board must give employer licence holder reasonable opportunity to be heard
  • The Board must not take any of the actions referred to in section 120 unless it has first—

    • (a) informed the employer licence holder concerned as to why it may take any of those actions; and

    • (b) given that person a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions and be heard on the question, either personally or by that person's representative.

    Section 121: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

122 Miscellaneous provisions concerning actions under section 120
  • (1) Every fine imposed under section 120 is recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Board.

    (2) An order under section 120 takes effect on the day of the making of the order; but that fact does not make any person concerned liable to prosecution or disciplinary proceedings for any act done or omitted during any part of that day before the order was made.

    (3) If a person's employer licence is suspended, the person is not authorised under section 117 for the period for which the licence is suspended.

    (4) At the end of a period of suspension, the person's employer licence is immediately revived (unless there is some other ground to suspend or cancel that person's employer licence).

    Section 122: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

123 Powers of inspection
  • (1) Every employer licence is subject to a condition that—

    • (a) any person authorised by the Board for the purpose may, for an authorised purpose, at any reasonable time, inspect any premises (not being a dwellinghouse) occupied by the employer licence holder, and for that purpose may enter and re-enter any place:

    • (b) the Board may, for an authorised purpose,—

      • (i) require the employer licence holder to produce for inspection, within any reasonable period that the Board may specify, any document or class of document in the possession or under the control of the employer licence holder, and may take copies of, or extracts from, any of those documents:

      • (ii) require the employer licence holder to provide, within any reasonable period that the Board may specify, any information or class of information that the Board may require.

    (2) If the employer licence holder breaches a condition expressed in subsection (1), the Board may act under section 120.

    (3) A person must give to the employer licence holder reasonable notice of that person's intention to enter any premises under subsection (1)(a), unless the giving of the notice would defeat the purpose of the entry.

    (4) Every person must, on entering any premises under subsection (1)(a), and when requested at any subsequent time, produce—

    • (a) evidence of that person's authority to enter the premises; and

    • (b) evidence of that person's identity.

    (5) The following are authorised purposes for the purposes of this section:

    • (a) the purpose of ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the employer licence:

    • (b) the purpose of ensuring that the prescribed electrical work done by employees of the employer licence holder—

      • (i) is at all times carried out safely and competently; and

      • (ii) complies with the requirements of this Act and any regulations.

    Section 123: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Subpart 3Register of electrical workers

  • Subpart 3 heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

124 Register of electrical workers
  • (1) The Board must establish and maintain, in accordance with this Act, a register of electrical workers.

    (2) The register must be kept by the Registrar.

    Section 124: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

125 Registrar must enter matters in register
  • The Registrar must—

    • (a) enter in the register the information and documentation referred to in sections 128 and 129; and

    • (b) make any other entries in the register that may be required, permitted, or directed to be entered by or under this Act.

    Section 125: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

126 Purpose of register
  • (1) The purpose of the register is—

    • (a) to enable members of the public to—

      • (i) determine whether a person is a registered person or holds a practising licence, provisional licence, or employer licence issued under this Part and, if so, the status and relevant history of the person's registration or licence; and

      • (ii) choose a suitable person to do electrical work; and

      • (iii) know how to contact a registered person or a provisional licence holder or an employer licence holder; and

      • (iv) obtain information concerning which persons have been disciplined under this Act within the last 3 years; and

    • (b) to enable members of the public to obtain information concerning whether or not a person has previously been registered under this Act or held a licence under this Act and, if so, the relevant history of the person's registration or licence; and

    • (c) to facilitate the administrative, disciplinary, and other functions of the Board, the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board, the Secretary, any investigator, and the Registrar under this Act.

    (2) This section is subject to section 137 (which allows the Registrar to restrict public access to certain information or documentation in certain circumstances).

    Section 126: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

127 Form of register
  • (1) The register may be kept—

    • (a) as an electronic register; or

    • (b) in any other manner that the Registrar thinks fit.

    (2) The Registrar may keep the register in separate parts.

    (3) The register must be operated at all times unless—

    • (a) the Registrar suspends the operation of the register, in whole or in part, in accordance with subsection (4); or

    • (b) otherwise provided in regulations.

    (4) The Registrar may refuse access to the register or otherwise suspend the operation of the register, in whole or in part, if the Registrar considers that it is not practical to provide access to the register.

    Section 127: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

128 Matters to be contained in register
  • (1) The register must contain all of the following information, to the extent that the information is relevant, for each registered person:

    • (a) full name; and

    • (b) street address, telephone number, and email address (if any); and

    • (c) the following information about the status and history of the person's registration and practising licence (if any):

      • (i) the class or classes of registration in respect of which the person is registered; and

      • (ii) the date on which the person was first registered in respect of each of those classes; and

      • (iii) whether, in respect of each of those classes, the person holds a current practising licence; and

      • (iv) the date on which the person was first issued with a practising licence for a particular class of registration; and

      • (v) the expiry date of each practising licence held by the person; and

      • (vi) a statement of the limitations subject to which the person is registered or a practising licence has been issued (if any); and

      • (vii) any conditions placed on the registration or licence of the person; and

      • (viii) any action taken under section 127 (as in force immediately before the commencement of this section) or section 147M on a disciplinary matter in respect of the person in the last 3 years; and

      • (ix) any current suspension, the ground under this Act for the suspension, its period, and any conditions for its termination; and

    • (d) information about any cancellation of the registration of the person or of any licence held by the person under this Act, including the ground under this Act for the cancellation.

    (2) The register must contain all of the following information, to the extent that the information is relevant, for each provisional licence holder and each employer licence holder:

    • (a) full name; and

    • (b) street address, telephone number, and email address (if any); and

    • (c) the following information about the status and history of the person's licence:

      • (i) the type of licence held by the person; and

      • (ii) the date on which the person was first issued with the licence; and

      • (iii) the period for which the licence has been issued; and

      • (iv) a statement of the limitations subject to which the licence has been issued (if any); and

      • (v) any conditions placed on the licence; and

      • (vi) any action taken under section 127 (as in force immediately before the commencement of this section) or section 120 or section 147M on a disciplinary matter against the person under this Act in the last 3 years; and

      • (vii) any current suspension, the ground under this Act for the suspension, its period, and any conditions for its termination; and

    • (d) information about any cancellation of the registration of the person or of any licence held by the person under this Act, including the ground under this Act for the cancellation; and

    • (e) the following information about an employer licence holder that is a body corporate:

      • (i) the full name of a contact person for the body corporate:

      • (ii) the company number or incorporation number of the body corporate (if any).

    (3) The register must contain—

    • (a) all of the information referred to in subsection (1), to the extent that the information is relevant, in relation to a person who was formerly a registered person; and

    • (b) all of the information referred to in subsection (2), to the extent that the information is relevant, in relation to a person who was formerly a provisional licence holder or formerly an employer licence holder; and

    • (c) all other infounation and documentation that is prescribed as information and documentation that must be included in the register.

    (4) The register may contain any other information or documentation that the Registrar considers necessary or desirable for the purposes of the register.

    (5) For the purposes of this section, disciplinary matter means an inquiry into, or complaint about, the conduct of a person, or a decision on that inquiry or complaint.

    Section 128: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

129 Historical registration and licence information and documentation to be included in register
  • (1) This section applies to all of the information and documentation contained in the registers that were kept under section 87 (as in force immediately before the commencement of this section).

    (2) The information and documentation that this section applies to must be maintained as part of the register.

    (3) The inclusion of that information and documentation as part of the register—

    • (a) does not confer any rights or privileges on any person; and

    • (b) does not authorise any person to do prescribed electrical work or to assist in doing prescribed electrical work.

    Section 129: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

130 Duty to notify change of address
  • (1) If a practising licence holder, a provisional licence holder, or an employer licence holder changes that person's street address that is recorded in the register, that person must, within 3 months after the change, notify the Registrar of that person's new street address.

    (2) The Registrar must enter the new address in the register.

    (3) Every person who breaches subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.

    Section 130: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

131 Duty to notify change of name
  • (1) If a practising licence holder, a provisional licence holder, or an employer licence holder changes that person's name, that person must, within 1 month after the change, notify the Registrar of the person's new name.

    (2) If the Registrar is satisfied that a registered person, a provisional licence holder, or an employer licence holder has changed that person's name, or that it is wrongly entered in the register, the Registrar must correct the entry in the register relating to that person.

    (3) Every person who breaches subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.

    Section 131: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

132 Revision of register
  • (1) The Registrar may at any time, and must if the Board directs, ask whether—

    • (a) a registered person wishes to have that person's registration or practising licence cancelled; or

    • (b) a provisional licence holder or an employer licence holder wishes to have that person's licence cancelled.

    (2) The Registrar must ask by letter addressed to the registered person, provisional licence holder, or employer licence holder at that person's last known street address.

    (3) If the registered person tells the Registrar in writing that the person wishes to have the person's registration or practising licence cancelled, the Board may order that the registration or practising licence be cancelled.

    (4) If the provisional licence holder or employer licence holder tells the Registrar in writing that the person wishes to have the person's licence cancelled, the Board may order that the licence be cancelled.

    (5) If the Registrar does not receive a reply to the letter within 3 months after it was posted, or if the letter is returned to the Registrar undelivered, the Registrar may give the registered person or provisional licence holder or employer licence holder notice in writing at that person's last known street address that the registration or practising licence (or both) of the registered person, or the licence of the provisional licence holder or employer licence holder, may be cancelled if that person does not respond within 20 working days after the date of the notice.

    (6) If the Registrar does not receive a reply within 20 working days after the date of the notice, the Board may order that—

    • (a) the registered person's registration or practising licence (or both) be cancelled; or

    • (b) the licence of the provisional licence holder or employer licence holder be cancelled.

    Section 132: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

133 Restoration of registration or licence
  • (1) This section applies to a person if the person's registration or licence has been cancelled under section 110(1)(b) or section 132.

    (2) On the written application of a person to whom this section applies, the Registrar must restore the entry in the register relating to the person's registration or licence unless—

    • (a) the person is not entitled to be registered or issued with the licence; or

    • (b) the person is subject to pending disciplinary proceedings under Part 11; or

    Section 133: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

134 Board may direct Registrar to record cancellation, suspension, or order
  • The Board may direct the Registrar to enter in the register information relating to—

    • (a) a cancellation of registration or of a licence; or

    • (b) a suspension of registration or of a licence; or

    Section 134: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

135 Alterations to register
  • The Registrar may make any amendments to the register that are necessary to—

    • (a) reflect any changes in the information specified in section 128; or

    • (b) correct a mistake caused by any error or omission on the part of the Registrar or any person to whom the Registrar has delegated his or her functions, duties, or powers; or

    • (c) comply with a direction given by the Board.

    Section 135: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

136 Register to be public
  • (1) The register must be open for public inspection during ordinary office hours at the place where it is kept.

    (2) The Registrar must, on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), supply—

    • (a) a copy of any entry in the register to any person requesting it; or

    • (b) a certified copy of any entry in the register to any person requesting it.

    (3) The fee charged under subsection (2)(a) must be not more than the fee that may be charged by a department of State for providing information under the Official Information Act 1982.

    Section 136: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

137 Restricting public access to information and documents on register
  • (1) Despite section 136, the Registrar—

    • (a) may restrict public access to all or any of the information referred to in section 128(1)(b), (2)(b), or (2)(e)(i) in relation to a particular person if that person requires the Registrar to restrict public access to that information; and

    (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), the Board may direct the Registrar to restrict public access to any information or documents referred to in that paragraph if, in the opinion of the Board, it is not necessary, or it is not desirable, for the information or documents to be publicly available.

    Section 137: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

138 Search of register
  • A person may search the register in accordance with this Act or the regulations.

    Section 138: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

139 Search criteria
  • The register may be searched only by reference to criteria to be specified in the regulations.

    Section 139: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

140 Search purposes
  • A search of the register may be carried out only for a purpose referred to in section 126.

    Section 140: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

141 When search constitutes interference with privacy of individual
  • A search of the register for personal information that has not been carried out in accordance with sections 138 to 140 constitutes an action that is an interference with the privacy of an individual under section 66 of the Privacy Act 1993.

    Section 141: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Part 11
Disciplinary provisions

  • Part 11: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Preliminary provisions

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

142 Persons to whom this Part applies
  • This Part applies to the following persons:

    • (a) every registered person:

    • (b) every provisional licence holder:

    • (c) every person who is no longer a registered person but who was a registered person at the time of the relevant conduct:

    • (d) every person who is no longer a provisional licence holder but who was a provisional licence holder at the time of the relevant conduct:

    • (e) every person who is the subject of an order of the Board under this Part.

    Section 142: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

143 Disciplinary offence
  • For the purposes of this Part, a person to whom this Part applies is guilty of a disciplinary offence if that person is found, in any proceedings under this Part, or in any appeal under Part 12,—

    • (a) to have carried out or caused to be carried out prescribed electrical work—

      • (i) in a negligent or incompetent manner; or

      • (ii) in a manner contrary to any enactment relating to electrical supply or prescribed electrical work that was in force at the time the work was done; or

    • (b) to have intentionally or negligently created a risk of serious harm to any person, or a risk of significant property damage, through—

      • (i) having used or caused to be used faulty or improper fittings; or

      • (ii) having carried out or caused to be carried out any prescribed electrical work; or

    • (c) to have failed to have complied with a term or condition of the person's registration or licence; or

    • (d) to have done prescribed electrical work that, under the terms of any restriction or limitation that applies to the prescribed electrical work that the person may do, the person is not authorised to do; or

    • (e) to have intentionally deceived or attempted to deceive any registered person who is authorised to test and certify prescribed electrical work by—

      • (i) purposely concealing inferior work or inferior fittings used as part of any works or electrical installation; or

      • (ii) making any false or misleading statement (whether in writing or not) to that person; or

    • (f) to have failed to provide any return required under any enactment relating to prescribed electrical work or to have provided a false or misleading return; or

    • (g) to have employed, directed, or permitted any unauthorised person to do any prescribed electrical work.

    Section 143: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Complaints

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

144 Complaints
  • (1) Any person (including any person in the service of the Crown acting in his or her official capacity) may complain to the Board about the conduct of a person to whom this Part applies by making the complaint in the prescribed manner to the Registrar.

    (2) However, a complaint may not be made under subsection (1) by the Board, a member of the Board, or the Registrar.

    (3) The Registrar must, as soon as practicable after receiving a complaint,—

    • (a) inform the Secretary; and

    • (b) inform the person complained against of the general nature of the complaint.

    (4) However, if the Registrar is satisfied that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious,—

    • (a) subsection (3) does not apply; and

    • (c) the Registrar must inform the complainant that the complaint will not be investigated or proceeded with.

    Section 144: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

Investigations

  • Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

145 Secretary must appoint investigator
  • (1) The Secretary must, as soon as practicable after being informed by the Registrar of a complaint, appoint an investigator to investigate the complaint.

    (2) The person appointed as the investigator must not be—

    • (a) a member of the Board; or

    • (b) the person who made the complaint.

    (3) The appointment must be made in accordance with regulations (if any).

    (4) No investigator is personally liable for any act done or omitted to be done by the investigator in good faith in the performance or intended performance of the functions, duties, or powers of the investigator under this Act.

    (5) The Secretary must pay to the investigator, by way of remuneration and expenses for his or her services, the sum that is agreed upon between the investigator and the Secretary.

    Section 145: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

146 Investigation of complaint
  • (1) The investigator may require that a complaint be supported by any statutory declaration that the investigator thinks fit.

    (2) The investigator must—

    • (a) determine whether, in the investigator's opinion, the complaint should be considered by the Board; and

    • (b) report the investigator's findings to the Board.

    (3) The investigator may recommend that the Board make an order under section 147I in respect of the person complained against pending the determination of disciplinary proceedings against that person.

    (4) Before the investigator makes a determination that the complaint should be considered by the Board, the investigator or the Secretary—

    • (a) must send particulars of the complaint to the person complained against; and

    • (b) must give the person a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions and be heard on the matter, either personally or by that person's representative.

    (5) The Registrar must send a copy of the investigator's report under subsection (2) to the person complained against and to the complainant.

    Section 146: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

147 Investigator's powers
  • (1) An investigator, for the purpose of investigating a complaint,—

    • (a) may, at any reasonable time, enter and re-enter any land or premises and—

      • (i) inspect and test any prescribed electrical work on that land or those premises that is, or is intended to be, connected to a power supply:

      • (ii) make any inquiries that are reasonably necessary to determine whether or not any prescribed electrical work on that land or those premises has been carried out in a competent and safe manner and in accordance with enactments relating to electrical supply or prescribed electrical work that were in force at the time the work was done; and

      • (iii) generally do any other things on that land or those premises that are reasonably necessary to enable the investigation to be carried out; and

    • (b) may, by written notice served on any person, require that person to—

      • (i) produce for inspection, within any reasonable period that the investigator may specify, any document or class of document in the possession or under the control of the person:

      • (ii) provide, within any reasonable period that the investigator may specify, any information or class of information that the investigator may require; and

    • (c) may take copies of, or extracts from, any of the documents referred to in paragraph (b).

    (2) Subsection (1)(a) applies in respect of dwellinghouses subject to section 147C.

    (3) Every person who is required to supply information or documents to an investigator has the same privileges in relation to the supply of the information or documents as witnesses have in any court.

    Section 147: substituted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

147A Secretary must supply warrant of authority
  • (1) The Secretary must supply to an investigator who intends to act under section 147(1)(a), a written warrant of authority that contains—

    • (a) a reference to that provision; and

    • (b) the full name of the investigator; and

    • (c) a statement of the powers conferred by that provision.

    (2) A person who does not have a warrant supplied under this section must not represent himself or herself to be the holder of a warrant supplied under this section.

    (3) Every person commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 who—

    • (a) fails to comply with subsection (2); or

    • (b) impersonates or falsely pretends to be a person named in a warrant supplied under this section.

    Section 147A: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

147B Duties of investigator supplied with warrant of authority
  • (1) An investigator supplied with a warrant of authority under section 147A

    • (b) must, on the termination of his or her authority to act under section 147, surrender the warrant to the Secretary; and

    • (c) must not purport to act under a warrant after the termination of his or her authority to act under section 147.

    (2) Every person commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 who fails to comply with subsection (1).

    Section 147B: inserted, on 1 April 2010, by section 13 of the Electricity Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 70).

147C Restriction on entry to dwellinghouse
  • (1) Despite section 147, an investigator may not enter a dwellinghouse without—

    • (a) the consent of the occupier of the dwellinghouse; or

    • (b) a warrant issued under subsection (2).