The Council allocates street and road numbers to properties within the District. In Waimakariri we use the 'Rapid' numbering system in rural areas and the Australasian numbering standards in urban areas.
Rural Property Numbers
The Rapid numbering system is the standard method of rural property identification for New Zealand (Rapid stands for Rural Address Property Identification).
How the Rapid System Works
Properties are given a unique number based on their distance along a road from its start point to the boundary/entrance way of the property. Even numbers are allocated to properties on the right side of the road, and odd numbers to properties on the left.
The number is calculated by measuring the distance between the property and the start point of the road and multiplying this by 100. Numbers are rounded to the next whole number. For example, a property 0.5 km along a road will have the rapid number 50, property number 200 will be 2 km from the start of the road.
One of the benefits of the system is that a property can be found even if the number is not displayed. Note the odometer reading when entering a road, travel the required kilometres and you should be at or near the entrance of the property.
Displaying Rapid Numbers
The Council encourages property owners to display the Rapid number prominently at the road entrance to their property. However, we don't enforce a standard system for displaying Rapid numbers.
If your house is located down a shared right-of-way or access lane, it is recommended that the Rapid number is displayed at the entrance of the accessway and also at the property entrance off the right-of-way. Please keep the number clear of long grass and overhanging vegetation.
Applying for a Rapid Number
Rapid numbers are allocated by the Council when new properties are created through subdivision. New numbers are advised to the current property owner and Land Information NZ.
If you are building a second house on a property, contact the Council to have a second number allocated.
Street Numbers in Town
In town, property numbers are allocated using the Australasian standards. There may be some areas of the District where numbers were issued prior to standards being adopted.
Allocation of Numbers
Property addresses should be sequential and unique. Odd numbers are on the left-hand side of the road and even numbers on the right.
Superstitions and beliefs are not taken into consideration when allocating numbers, all numbers are issued.
Corner properties generally have a number off each frontage, and the allocated number depends where the driveway access is located.
If subdivision results in whole numbers not being available, alphabetical suffixes are used, e.g. 100A.
Displaying Street Numbers
It is important that you use the property number allocated and that this is visible from the road.
If your property is accessed by a private lane or right-of-way, you should display the number at the street and up the right-of-way at the entrance to your property.
Applying for a Street Number
Street numbers are allocated by the Council when new properties are created through subdivision. New numbers are advised to the current property owner and Land Information NZ.
If you a building a second house on a property, contact the Council to have a second number allocated.
You can find your allocated street number in the 'location' area of your rates invoice.
How to Find Your Property Number
Use the following steps to find out what number is allocated to your property:
- Check your rates invoice. The street number is shown in the 'location' information.
- Email: office@wmk.govt.nz
- Phone: 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV)