That’s why beforeUdig (the service we use to provide you with underground cable plans) has teamed up with utilities across Aotearoa to promote this year’s awareness campaign.

Each year, around 15 New Zealanders suffer life-changing injuries or worse after coming into contact with electricity or gas. On top of that, major inconvenience can be brought to homes and businesses with the loss of key services following a strike to underground cables or pipes while digging.

In 2020, contractors working in Rongotai drilled through a high voltage electricity cable, resulting in a mains power outage affecting airport infrastructure. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Whenever you’re digging – no matter if the job is big or small – you must follow the Five Rules of Safe Excavation to avoid striking and damaging an underground cable or pipe. Remember, it’s your legal responsibility to establish the location of underground services before commencing excavation.

Visit www.beforeudig.co.nz to request free maps indicating the approximate location of underground services. In most cases, plans will be automatically emailed to you straight away. Find out more