Terminology

Those involved in the process of Land Surveying, Land subdivision and particularly the Resource Management Act use a number of terms, phrases and acronyms which are peculiar to those processes. This article explains the use of some common terms.

 Some common expressions used in Surveying and Land subdivision:

 Land Transfer Surveys – legal surveys undertaken which create or amend titles.

Title Plan – a plan created by a Licensed Surveyor showing the areas and dimensions of all new lots, and any Easements or Covenants intended to be created on the new titles.

Survey Plan – a plan created by a Licensed Surveyor showing details of how the survey has been carried out, and the location of all new survey marks.

 Some common expressions from the Resource Management Act (RMA):

Section 92 request – a request from a Council for more information before an application can be processed.

Section 223 certificate – a certificate confirming that the subdivision has been carried on in terms of a consent granted. Usually issued electronically

Section 224 certificate – a certificate issued by Council confirming that all conditions of consent have now been satisfied. Also issued electronically

Notification – a process whereby Council advertises that an application for Subdivision or Landuse consent has been received, and allows affected parties to be involved in the process.

Subdivision application – an application to a Council requesting approval for the legal boundaries of an existing title be amended, which may include a request for the creation of additional titles.

Land Use application – an application to Council (either Local or Regional) requesting approval to use land in a manner which is not permitted without a consent being granted.

Resource Consent – Any consent under the Resource Management Act including Subdivision consents and Land use consents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Title Plan and a Survey Plan?

A Title Plan shows the areas, dimensions, and any easements or covenants for new lots, while a Survey Plan shows how the survey was conducted and the location of all new survey marks. Both are prepared by licensed surveyors but serve different purposes.

What is a Section 92 request?

A Section 92 request is when a Council asks an applicant for additional information before processing a subdivision or land-use application. It ensures that the Council has all the details needed to make an informed decision.

What is a Resource Consent?

A Resource Consent is official approval granted under the Resource Management Act. It covers subdivision consents, land-use consents, and other permissions required to legally develop or alter land in New Zealand.

What is a Land Transfer Survey?

A Land Transfer Survey is a legal survey carried out by a licensed surveyor to create or amend property titles. It ensures that the legal boundaries of a property are correctly defined and recorded.