A berm or verge is usually a grass area between the footpath and your property or business. It can also be the berm around the sides or back of your property. In most parts of Porirua City, we rely on the goodwill of the property owner or resident to maintain the berm outside their home or business. Council does maintain some berm areas in the city, including those along key city thoroughfares, where berms are too dangerous for residents to manage, and those around our reserves and playgrounds.
If you're worried about an overgrown section - you'll find more information here
Take a look at our Tree and vegetation policy
Please note - under Porirua City bylaws it’s an offence to park on a grass berm.
Residents generally maintain the road reserve berms in front (and beside or behind) their properties because they want their street to look smart and well-cared for. This approach is taken to reduce the demand on rates and it recognises that it is the resident who benefits from a tidy and clean berm.
If a resident is unable to mow their berm, they may wish to employ a contractor at their own personal cost.
Residents who are physically incapable of mowing their lawn and the berm outside their property may be eligible for an allowance from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) to assist with the cost of a contractor. Please contact WINZ for more information or take a look at the Work and Income website.
Where a resident does not want to maintain their berm, Council will cut it occasionally as required to stop it becoming a fire risk.
What road reserve vegetation does Council maintain?
Where a road reserve berm area is too steep or too dangerous for residents to safely mow, Council will maintain it at a maximum frequency of twice a year.
Take a look at the Porirua City urban vegetation programme sites (pdf).
Council also manages the vegetation on all our road to road walkways, alongside our reserves and parks, and through our CBD.
Rural berms are mowed at least two times a year. This will only be increased if the berm becomes a hazard, such as blocking sightlines.
Mowing is done two metres from the edge of the seal where possible.
Road reserve berms should be kept free of vegetation to ensure safe use of the road for all road users. If any planting is deemed to be a hazard, Council can require that it be trimmed or removed. This is for public safety reasons; to ensure clear sight lines and clearance from footpaths, roads, streetlights and drainage.
