Road names identify individual properties for all users including residents, commercial and industrial operators, visitors, utility services, postal and courier services and emergency services.
Roads that need a name
Kaipara District Council’s Road Naming Policy sets out the process to apply for a road name and gives guidance about how road names are approved by Council. All public roads need to be named with a road name sign installed prior to the completion of a development.
Private ways (right of ways or jointly owned access lots) and private roads providing access to six or more lots are also encouraged to be named. This is to avoid difficulties in the assignment of street numbers to individual properties as per the Surveyor-General/Land Information New Zealand Guidelines for addressing in-fill developments LINZ OPG 01245, 1 November 2019.
Private ways and private roads serving less than six lots can also be named, if the developer chooses. Kaipara District Council (elected members) make the final decision on road names.
When to start a road name application
Road names and street addresses should be considered in the initial planning of a development and once the development is approved, the road naming application process should be started as soon as possible.
Application and nomination of proposed road names
Applicants are free to apply for whatever road name they choose, however, guidance is given in the Road Naming Policy to reduce the risk of names not being approved. This includes avoiding road name duplication in the District and/or nominating names that in Council’s opinion have the potential to cause offence. The following types of road names are encouraged:
- Names that are easy to spell and pronounce with a single word and appropriate suffix
- Names with an historical or cultural attachment to the area
- Names that have meaning to the local community or reflect the local natural environment
- Consistency with a theme for the development
The applicant nominates three proposed names, setting out the order of preference for each road shown on the plan, for example, if there are four new roads, a total of 12 names need to be submitted. The reason for each name should be given.
Download an application form HERE. Completed application forms should be emailed to: rmaconsents@kaipara.govt.nz
Hardcopy applications forms can be submitted at our service centres. As applications need to be approved at a Council meeting (held at the end of each month), completed applications should be submitted within the month proceeding the Council meeting.
Te Reo names and assistance
Developers nominating Te Reo Māori names are encouraged to check the spelling and cultural sensitivity of proposed road names. Council staff can assist with this including providing the contact details of Iwi authorities.
Process
- Processing of application
Council staff confirm receipt of your application and refer to the Council for a decision. Council approves or declines the proposed road names and we will advise you of the decision.
- Ordering and installation of name road sign
If approved, we will arrange the ordering and installation of the road sign on your behalf.
- Notification of new road name
We will notify emergency services and external service providers of the new road name.
- Allocation of new addresses
Street numbers are applied for. Refer street numbering above.
Cost of road name applications and signs
Council recovers the cost of processing road naming applications and the installation of road signs through its schedule of fees and charges which is set annually. For the 2024/2025 financial year the charges (including GST) are:
- Processing administration fee: $114 per hour
- Road sign, post and installation: $440
- Additional road sign (e.g. No Exit, Private Access) and installation: $115
You will be invoiced these fees.
Please contact us on our Freephone 0800 727 059 if you have any questions or require further information.
