New Zealand Geographic Place Names Database

Purpose

The primary purpose of the database is to assist in the production of core topographic maps. The database is intended to contain all official place names and it is designed to correspond with the New Zealand Geographic Board Act 1946 process. The database also contains non-official names as shown on the  Topographic 260 maps.

The source of the data

Names in the database have been included from the following authoritative sources:

• NZTopo, the authoratative topographic database for New Zealand
• New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa archives
• Lands and Survey historical maps and plans
• Gazetteer of New Zealand Place Names published by the Department of Lands and Survey in 1968.

The database is updated when new information becomes available. Sources of information include:

• New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa
• Department of Conservation
• 260 Map Topographic Data Maintenance
• Members of Public

Coverage

More than 40,000 entries are available in this version of the database covering the mainland of New Zealand. In the future, the database will extend to include New Zealand's area of interest in offshore and Pacific Islands, and the Ross Dependency area of Antarctica.

Accuracy

This database does not contain the names of every geographic feature in New Zealand. It is intended to contain the names of those features as follows:

• NZTopo, the authoratative topographic database for New Zealand
• New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa approvals within New Zealand only (i.e. the North, South, and Stewart/Rakiura Islands)
• Maps published by Land Information New Zealand - Toitu te whenua and its predecessors, the Department of Survey and Land Information and the Department of Lands and Survey

Also, it should be noted that macrons for Māori names are not included in the database. The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha compiles lists of official place names with macrons.

Disclaimer

Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this database. However, Land Information New Zealand accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information. Nor will Land Information New Zealand be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of reliance on this information, or through directly or indirectly applying it.

Administration

The database was designed and is maintained by LINZ.