Help keep our roads safe by reporting wandering stock as soon as possible. Wandering stock can create a hazard for road users and should be reported immediately
Report wandering stock
- Local roads: call 0800 653 800
- State highways: call 0800 44 44 49 (NZTA)
If wandering stock are causing, or could cause, an emergency - call 111 and ask for Police
When reporting, please provide:
- the location (rapid number, station name, road name or nearest landmark)
- the number of animals
- a brief description, including the type of stock and direction of travel.
Wandering stock on roads and highways
Stock owners are responsible for keeping their livestock under control and preventing them from wandering onto roads or neighbouring properties.
Wandering stock pose a serious risk to public safety and may be impounded.
Stock on private property
If stock have wandered onto your property, try to identify and contact the owner.
If you're unable to locate the owner, contact us. We can help identify the owner or arrange for the stock to be impounded if necessary.
Any costs associated with transporting, holding, feeding and advertising impounded stock are the responsibility of the stock owner and must be paid before the stock is released.
If an owner cannot be identified or located, the stock may be sold in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Fencing land adjacent to roads
Stock owners are responsible for ensuring their livestock do not wander onto roads.
Under the Stock Control Bylaw, properties used for grazing stock must have appropriate fencing along boundaries adjoining roads.
We may require landowners to make fencing improvements where there's a risk to road users. Factors may include traffic volumes, safety risks and previous non-compliance.
For full requirements, refer to our Stock Control Bylaw.
Droving stock
Anyone droving stock along or across a road must comply with the requirements of our Stock Control Bylaw.
Stock pounds
Our stock pounds are located at:
- Granny Tarr Street
- Nelson Road
- Riverpoint Road
- Te Puia Springs
Stock may also be held temporarily in approved private yards. These yards will be signposted.
Impounding fees
See our impounding fees and charges, set in accordance with the Impounding Act 1955.