Pairs of shoes tied together by the laces and thrown over powerlines had become "real nuisance value" in Dunedin, Delta distribution manager Stuart Allan said.
"It is a pain . . .It takes us off other work that we are supposed to be doing."
Delta, contracted to maintain the lines for Aurora, removed the offending shoes following complaints from residents in the area, he said.
"It is just another form of vandalism. It is similar to people spray-painting stuff."
People throwing shoes on to lines were being reckless, not only with their safety but also the safety of others, he said.
"If people tried to retrieve them, they would find themselves getting quite a shock."
With 11,000 volts running through the highest lines, touching them could result in "death or serious burns", he said.
Two staff, using a cherry picker, were needed to remove the shoes.
Safety regulations required at least two workers to be involved.
While the lines did not appear to damage the shoes, they had suffered the effects of weather and were unfit to be donated to charity.
Delta lines inspector Stuart Smeaton said the student area was affected more than other areas in the city and it had been getting worse over the years.
"Years ago, we used to deal with kids and their kites, and then swing-ball, but they were mainly accidents.
"Now, we get pairs of shoes thrown up on lines on purpose . . . it is an annoying problem," he said.
"If it is brought to our attention, we can bring them down reasonably quickly."
