What to Look for When Hiring a Excavation Contractor in NZ
- Correct machine size for your job
- Resource consent compliance if required
- Spoil disposal plan included
- Utility location (Call Before You Dig) process
- Compaction testing for engineered fill
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Doesn't check for underground services
- No spoil disposal plan
- Can't do compaction testing
- No resource consent check for large volumes
Typical Costs Across NZ
Excavator hire (with operator): $180β$220/hr. Site cut (per mΒ³): $35β$65 disposed. Foundation excavation: $800β$3,000+
Costs vary significantly by city β Auckland and Queenstown are typically the most expensive, while Invercargill and Dunedin are among the most affordable.
Licensing Requirements
No mandatory licensing. Some earthworks require resource consent under the RMA. Check the register β