Help with Land Record Research
To find an individual record, you will need a record reference number or legal description.
Record reference numbers
A record reference number is a unique identifier for a land record. LINZ is responsible for several land record types. You can find record reference numbers by contacting your local council. If you know the record reference number, you can order a copy of a land record.
Legal descriptions
A legal description often identifies the lot and survey plan of a property. A standard legal description looks like "LOT 1 DP 12345" (DP stands for "deposited plan").
On some local council websites, you can search maps online to find legal descriptions. If you know its legal description you can order a copy a land record.
Property owners will also find legal descriptions on their rating valuation notices or rates demand (find out more about property valuation in New Zealand).
Search agents
Search agents are land professionals experienced in land record searches. If you don't have the required information to order a copy of a land record, we recommend you employ a commercial provider such as a search agent.
Search agents will often be able to locate records using a street address and can help with more complicated searches or historical research. To find a search agent look in the Yellow Pages under:
- land information
- property management
- resource management
- document services
- legal agents
- lawyers
- surveyors
- real estate agents.
Historical research
Local councils and libraries have useful information, particularly for historical research. LINZ holds many historic land records. Find out more about viewing orginal land records.
Rating rolls
You can find the legal descriptions of your own and other properties by contacting city and district councils who have 'rating rolls'. These rolls date back many years but note that you will normally need to provide LINZ with the current legal description for a property. Sometimes a historical description may be appropriate.
Further help
If you still require help with land record research, you can contact us.
