Question 1

Do I need council consent to install an automatic gate?

Accepted Answer

Usually not — but if your gate is over 1.8m high, near a boundary, or affects public access, it may require consent. Always check with your local council.

Question 2

Can I automate an existing manual gate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if it’s structurally sound and positioned correctly. We’ll also need to retrofit safety features like sensors and emergency stops.

Question 3

How often should I service my gate?

Accepted Answer

At least once per year. Servicing includes inspecting motors, testing safety sensors, checking for wear, and updating any control tech.

Question 4

What happens during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

If you have a battery backup, your gate will still operate. Without it, you’ll need to use a manual release system — so make sure yours is accessible and functional.

Question 5

What New Zealand standards apply to automatic gates?

Accepted Answer

Automatic gates should comply with AS/NZS 60335.2.103, which outlines mechanical and electrical safety requirements for gate operators. For electrical work, compliance with the NZ Electrical Code of Practice (ECP 51) is also required.

Question 6

What are my responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015?

Accepted Answer

If you're a business owner, landlord, or school, you're classified as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking). You're legally responsible for ensuring that all equipment — including gates — is safe and does not pose harm to any person on your premises.
Source: WorkSafe NZ

Question 7

Are there special requirements for gates in schools or early childhood centres?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Gates in high-risk environments like schools and childcare facilities require additional safety mechanisms, such as low-force operation, enhanced sensor coverage, and manual overrides that staff can access. Regular maintenance logs may also be required.

Question 8

Do I need to get my gate certified or inspected?

Accepted Answer

Certification is not mandatory for residential gates, but for workplaces, public buildings, or gated communities, WorkSafe may inspect installations. Even at home, insurance claims may be denied if injury is caused by non-compliant equipment.

Question 9

Who is liable if a contractor installs an unsafe gate?

Accepted Answer

Both the installer and the property owner may be liable. That’s why it’s important to hire a qualified installer who understands NZ safety codes and provides compliance documentation.

Question 10

What records do I need to keep for compliance?

Accepted Answer

For commercial or rental properties, keep records of:
Installation documentation
Product manuals showing compliance with AS/NZS standards
Service and maintenance logs
Any risk assessments related to gate operation

Question 11

Is signage required for automatic gates in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Not in all cases — but for commercial, industrial, or shared-use gates, signage indicating “Automatic Gate – Keep Clear” or similar is recommended and may be required under your health and safety policies.

Question 12

Do you charge to quote and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

We provide FREE, no obligation quotes!

The first step is to call or email the office to book a time so a team member can meet you on site.

You'll have a chat about your needs and they will take some measurements.

From there we head away, write a quote tailored to you and email it to you - simple!

Question 13

How much do gates cost?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of variables to this question and for this reason we perform a site measure to ensure we give accurate, fair pricing that incorporates everything required to provide the best final result for you.

As a rough ball-park:
Driveway gates alone - $4,000-$8,000
Automation starts from $2,800
Pedestrian gates - $1,500-$3,000

When comparing quotes between companies be sure to check that you're comparing the same quoted items. 
For example: is their quote cheaper because it does not include demolition, removal, dumping? Or includes removal but leaves you with a pile of spoil to dump? 
These types of variables can make a huge difference to your decision making process.

To make life easier for you, we are happy to take a look at the quotes you are comparing to see what the differences are and we are happy to update our quote to match what another has quoted - but only if it will leave you with a quality outcome. It's important that your investment is going to last!

Question 14

How long will my project take?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule of thumb, from acceptance to the day the work is completed averages 6-8 weeks.

For smaller jobs we can usually slip these in if short notice is ok with you.

And for supply only work we can usually have these ready within 1-2 weeks or 3-4 weeks with powder coating.

Check with the office team for the most up to date timeframes.

Question 15

Does Designer Gates require a deposit payment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, upon accepting a quote you will be invoiced a deposit of 40% of the accepted quote.
This secures your place in our schedule and allows us to allocate stock on hand in our workshop for your project and order in anything else required.

Once we have finished fabrication, we will let you know that we are getting ready to install soon and send a 30% progress invoice. It's really helpful at this stage to let us know if there are dates that you'd prefer we didn't install on.

Then once we've tidied up and you're project is complete we'll send through the final invoice. Easy!

Question 16

What area's do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We install anywhere from Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury through to the Rakaia River. This includes Christchurch, West Melton, Darfield, Rolleston, Lincoln, Tai Tapu, Governors Bay and all those in between. If you are unsure if we can help, please give us a call.

Question 17

Do you service automatic gates and accessories?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely!
If you purchased your automation through Designer Gates or you have Centurion products installed then yes we can service these for you.

If you didn't purchase through Designer Gates or don't have Centurion products installed we can still often help and complete a service but please let us know so that we can advise you before we arrive.

We provide a 32 point service (just like a mechanic would) but unlike you're mechanic we provide the minor tweaks and small parts replacements as part of the service.

We look for any signs of wear and tear and make adjustments to prevent future break down, apply wet/dry lubricants, replace small batteries, check the oil and top up if required and deter insects.

Question 18

Do you have a call-out service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Please see our standard rates below: 
(All Prices below already have GST included for your convenience)

Non-Urgent Call-Out: Monday-Friday 8am-3:30pm (visited within 1-3 days) $172.50 first hour (minimum), after first hour charged in 15min increments of $30.50

Emergency Call-Out: (Same Day) Monday-Friday 8am-3:30pm $195.50 p/hr

After Hours, Weekend, Public Holiday Call-Out: (by availability) $345 p/hr

Question 19

Do you work with Aluminium and Steel?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We work with both Steel and Aluminium. Both metals have their own set of desirable qualities. We can chat with you on site about these so that you can make the best choice for your situation.

Question 20

Do you make wrought iron gates?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can incorporate parts and panels that are wrought iron BUT we don't make fully wrought iron gates.

Question 21

Can your gates be shipped?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to price for delivery to your shipping company's depot. We do require you to book your own shipping though.

Question 22

What payment methods does Designer Gates accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept:
- Cash
- Bank transfer
- Eftpos or Credit Card at our office in Woodend or over the phone (card fees apply)

Question 23

What is Powder Coating?

Accepted Answer

Powder Coating is a dry finishing process created by spraying a fine polymer powder charged with static electricity towards grounded metal providing an even and uniform coating. The metal is then placed in an oven where it is baked at a high temperature, melting the powder and creating a finish that is tougher than conventional paint and without runs.

Question 24

What colour choices do you have?

Accepted Answer

When powder coating gates, pergolas and other steel or aluminium structures our provider uses the Dulux Powder Coat Range. There are hundreds of colours available but the Duralloy Solid Colour range is what we quote for as standard. Follow this link to see these colours: Dulux Duralloy® Powder Coat Range - Dulux Powder Coatings (duluxpowders.co.nz)

Question 25

What should I consider when choosing a Gate?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a gate it is important to consider several factors such as your budget, size of the area, style preference, the style of your home, accessories and your security needs. It is also important to consider the environment of where you live e.g. if you live close to the beach.

Question 26

Should I automate my gate?

Accepted Answer

Automation adds convenience, safety and security to your property. An automatic gate eliminates the need to get out of your car in the rain, cold or darkness to manually open and close it. It acts as a strong deterrent to potential burglars given it's difficulty to get past.

With a keypad or button remote you can operate your gate and control who else has access to your property. Add on to this an access control kit and you can operate your gate and control who has access right from your smartphone, anywhere in the world!

Question 27

Do I need an electrician to get power to my gate?

Accepted Answer

When automating a gate we have a wide range of options available depending on your property setup, the accessories you wish to use and how you wish to use your gate.

If an electrician is required we have a local, trusted electrician that we work with to create less work for the client. Otherwise we can work in with your trusted electrician.

Most commonly we use Low Voltage cables protected in UV stable conduit, hidden under ground or along fence-lines. These fall into the same category as garden lighting and therefore the majority can be completed by our trained technicians. If there is not currently an outdoor plug installed we use our local, trusted electrician to install a legally compliant outdoor plug.

For properties where power sources are too far away or there are substantial accessories to power, we trench mains power or complete a solar setup with the final connection and compliance documents completed by our local trusted electrician.

Question 28

I've found a cheaper brand of automation, will you install it?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, the old saying "you get what you pay for" rings VERY true when it comes to gate automation. When purchasing a premium automation brand you are purchasing a fantastic warranty, excellent technology and ongoing support.

We regularly get called out to gate automation installations where cheaper brands were used and have failed. In these cases the original installer has disappeared, the brand is either not named or are uncontactable, not interested in honoring their warranty or do not make parts for repairs.

This is a devastating situation for clients and breaks our hearts too. For this reason we only use brands with warranties that we can count on, who use cutting edge technology, who give ongoing support and who will continue to make parts for their motors well past the date that the motor technology is superseded.

Question 29

How do I maintain my automatic motor and accessories?

Accepted Answer

Automatic gate openers, intercoms and other electronic accessories should be serviced on a yearly basis by a technician from Designer Gates. Get in touch to make a booking. In between your yearly Designer Gates service; ensure that organic materials are kept clear from the equipment e.g. dirt, grass clippings, leaves etc as well as pests such as ants.

Any damage to the equipment or unusual equipment operations must be inspected and repaired immediately. Give us a call and we can make sure it doesn't become problematic.

Question 30

How do I care for and maintain the metal in my gates, fences and pergolas?

Accepted Answer

Clean dirt, grime, mould, or algae from all components at least every six months with a wet sponge and a mild household detergent in warm water (no solvents or water blasters) and rinse off. Once cleaned and dried, spray any chips or scratches with zinc spray or spray paint to match your powder coating.

Question 31

What happens to my auto gate in a power cut?

Accepted Answer

We've already thought ahead on this topic and we install all of our automatic gates with a battery back up that stores a bank of energy for just this purpose.

For most people with normal conservative use this gives around 3 days of use (or approx 10-20 openings) before needing to unlock the unit with your supplied key and switching to manual mode.

Frequently Asked Questions