Safer digging

Accidentally digging up a buried cable can be expensive and inconvenient. Not just for us, but for you too. By following a few simple rules you can avoid cables and the hassle of damaging them.

Three simple rules:

1. Plan

Before you start a job, contact us by ringing 0800 B4U DIG (0800 248 344) to get a cable plan for your site.

Two options are available if the plan shows Chorus cables in the vicinity:

  • You can request an on-site cable location.
  • You can apply for a free set of service plans.

You can also visit www.beforeudig.co.nz for more information.


The Cable Location Service Training [link to Cable Location Service Training] steps you through the things you need to think about.

2. Locate cable

If you ask us to visit your site, our technician will indicate where cables are located by marking the ground to provide a digging guide. These lines will be marked in purple.

3. Hand dig

A corridor marked by two dashed purple lines indicates approximately where our cables run. Where high capacity cables are at risk, we offer a free ‘standover' service with our technician on site in an advisory role to assist with your digging.

You must hand dig to identify the exact position and depth of the cable before full excavation begins.

Note: For all high capacity cables (e.g. fibre cables), a line is marked 750mm (or occasionally more if required) on either side of the estimated cable route. To minimise the risk of damage, we recommend using hand tools (where possible) to dig within the two marked lines.

Damaged cables

If you do damage a cable, it's important to let us know right away. Call 0800 B4UDIG (0800 248 344) as soon as possible to notify us.

If you do damage a Chorus cable, please don't hide it or attempt to make a repair. Even if there's no obvious wire or fibre breakage, moisture could penetrate an incorrectly patched cable, causing disruption to telephone services.

What are the costs involved?

If you've taken all reasonable precautions and followed our Safer Digging rules there should be no charge.

However, if cable damage has been caused by irresponsibility, carelessness or negligence, we will bill the organisation or individual responsible.

The average cost to repair a damaged cable is approximately $750, however repair costs can range from $200 to more than $200,000. So it pays to take care.