Introduction to LINZ
Land Information New Zealand is a government department of approximately 450 staff based in Wellington, Hamilton, and Christchurch. Broadly speaking, our three functions are to manage land transactions, geospatial information,1 and land.
Managing transactions
LINZ runs the system for defining and dealing in property rights, and regulates these property rights – or land – transactions. We strive to ensure New Zealanders know exactly what they are buying, selling, or trading, know what their rights and responsibilities are,2 and can carry out land transactions easily and at a reasonable cost.
We also regulate ratings valuations and administer New Zealand’s overseas investment regime.3
Managing information
We manage core geospatial information that underpins the efficient operation of government functions, emergency services, and many businesses and community organisations.4
As well as managing our own core geospatial data, LINZ runs the all-of-government New Zealand Geospatial Office (NZGO), which is leading the effort to increase the use of New Zealand’s geospatial information resources as an enabler for productivity gains in our economy, and better decision-making in government, business, and the community.
Managing land
LINZ administers a range of Crown-owned lands for the benefit of the New Zealand public. Our portfolio encompasses more than 5,000 properties, including over 1.5 million hectares of High Country pastoral land in the South Island and many lake and river beds. In some cases, land under our management is being held for Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
We also regulate the acquisition and disposal of Crown land by all government agencies.
We have a number of statutory officers with specific functions under the various Acts we administer. More detail on this legislation, and on our different responsibilities and functions, can be found here.
1 Geospatial (or location-based) information tells us where things are and how they relate to each other.
2 In New Zealand, the State gives a guarantee of title to the owners of a property.
3 LINZ administers the regime under the Overseas Investment Act 2005 and sections 56 to 57J of the Fisheries Act 1996.
4 The Geospatial Information and Technology Association estimated in 2008 that up to 80% of the information managed by businesses is somehow connected to a specific location.
