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Road names and numbering

It is our role to ensure street numbering is in place and to approve names for new public roads, private roads and rights-of-way so that properties have:

accurate addresses
can be easily located by emergency services
can be serviced for power, mail and telephone.

Street numbering provides a unique street address for each property in a logical, consistent manner which:

allows for easy identification of a property
enables Emergency Services, NZ Post, utilities etc. to locate the property quickly and easily.

In rural areas, street addresses may be referred to as Rapid Numbers, Emergency Services Numbers, Rapid Response Numbers or Property Numbers.

Apply for a new road name

Step 1.Read the Road Naming Policy

Read our Road Naming Policy for guidance on the application process.

Road Naming Policy

Step 2.Get help

You can enquire online about the process for new road names (road naming) or ask specific questions.

Enquire about road naming

Step 3.Consult with affected landowners

If there are other landowners whose addresses will be affected, you will need to consult with them.

Step 4.Submit the application

Submit the Road Naming application with 3 choices for road names that are in accordance with the Road Naming Policy.

Please ensure that you provide good reasons for selecting the suggested road names.

Road Naming Application(PDF, 78KB)

Email: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

By post:

Whangarei District Council
Private Bag 9023
Whangārei 1048

In-person: Bring in your application to one of our customer service centres.

Forum North customer service centre
7 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

Step 5.Processing of application

We process the Road Naming application and refer to the Council for adoption.

Council approves or declines the Road Naming application.

Step 6.Erecting name plate

If approved, it is the developer's responsibility to erect the relevant road sign.

Step 7.Meeting requirements

We confirm that resource consent conditions have been met (if required) by the developer before the title is issued.

Step 8.Notification of new road name

Emergency services and external service providers are notified of new road name.

Step 9.Allocation of new addresses

New addresses are allocated.

Request a street number

Step 1.Submit the application

Fill in the application and submit it to us.

Street number request form(PDF, 66KB)

Email: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

By post:

Whangarei District Council
Private Bag 9023
Whangārei 1048

In-person: Bring in your application to one of our customer service centres.

Forum North customer service centre
7 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

Step 2.Access the application

Council will assess the application and may come back to you, if we require additional information.

Step 3.Allocate street number

Council will allocate your street number and will let you know.

Step 4.Display your number

You must display your number clearly on your property. Numbers must be displayed on a permanent fixture close to the road and close to the principal entrance to the land or building.

Step 5.Enquiries

You can enquire about the process for adding new street numbers or ask specific questions about the street numbering form you have already submitted.

Enquire about property address changes

Paper roads and road stopping

A paper road is a legal road which Council owns but which hasn't been formed as a road for vehicles. The public is able to use paper roads, but generally only for walking or cycling.

Some paper roads cut across private land and courtesy must be shown to the landowners.

Road stopping

A paper road may never be needed as a formed road, in which case Council can undertake a process to remove the roading designation. This is called 'road stopping'.

In some cases, Council may offer the adjacent landowner the right to purchase the land.

Road Stopping application form and information(PDF, 385KB)