Road names provide a clear identification of properties on that road for all users including residents, visitors, commercial services and, most importantly, emergency services. A named road also provides an address, which allows for the sale of the property.
When new roads are created through a subdivision or other development, they need to be named.
All public roads need a road name.
Names also need to be provided for a private road, private way, right of way or access lot, if six or more lots (or address sites) are accessed from it.
Short cul-de-sacs or private roads with five or fewer lots, which are not proposed to be lengthened or have additional address sites, do not need to be named.
When new roads are created through a subdivision, and a subdivision resource consent is approved, the road-naming process should be started as soon as possible.
All road names need to be approved prior to applying for a Section 223 RMA certificate.
The key professional for the subdivision and road naming process is a licensed cadastral surveyor. You may also need a consultant planner, an engineer and a lawyer.
Our road naming guidelines provide direction to applicants, developers, our staff, local boards and mana whenua on the procedures for naming and renaming roads in Auckland.
The guidelines document is divided into two parts:
Road names should generally:
If you need help with ideas for road names, contact:
We need to check and confirm that proposed names are acceptable for use before you proceed with an application.
Searching for similar sounding names can be difficult, and there are also lots of new names being proposed at the same time, from different developments, that may conflict.
To apply for a pre-application name check, email centralsubdivision@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with "Road name pre-application check" and the site address as the email subject line.
You will need to include:
We will respond to you in writing to confirm if your proposed road names are acceptable for use, or to advise if you need to explore other options.
Apply for a pre-application check of your proposed road names as soon as possible after the subdivision consent is granted, to avoid delays before you request s223 and 224c certification from us, or Records of Title from Land Information New Zealand.
We encourage the use of Māori road names.
Engaging relevant mana whenua early on in the development process can help in selecting new road names based on local themes, particularly for medium to large developments with multiple new roads.
Refer to the document Road naming guidelines Part 2: Application process for information regarding mana whenua engagement and feedback.
To learn more, see Find mana whenua contacts for your area or Engaging with mana whenua.
Refer to the application checklist in Road naming guidelines Part 2: Application process. You will need this checklist to complete your application.
You will also need to complete the road name application form:
Once you have read the road naming guidelines and completed the pre-application name check and application checklist, email your completed application form and supporting documents to centralsubdivision@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Attach your supporting evidence, including the application checklist, as PDF documents.
The relevant team (central, south, north or west) will process your application, depending on the road location.
Local boards have decision-making responsibility for road naming in Auckland.
By following our road naming guidelines you can ensure the relevant local board has the information they need to make a decision on your road name, and reduce the risk of delays to your development.
It takes approximately two to three months to receive a formal decision from the local board.
This is because of the time we need to review the application, write the political report, and meet local board monthly agendas deadlines.
Start your road-naming application as soon as possible after the subdivision consent is granted. This avoids potential delays before you request s223 and 224c certification from us, or Records of Title from Land Information New Zealand.
Use our Find your local board search tool if you are unsure which local board a property is in.
If you are unsure or need help, email centralsubdivision@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with the site location and development details, including resource consent details.
