The Addressing and Properties squad delivers connected property data, available through the LINZ Data Service as the NZ Properties group of datasets. The connected property data links various components of property together in a structured way, with an aim of improving property data accessibility and interoperability.
One of the components of property is ‘address’. To work well with and be accurately linked to other property data, it is essential that addresses are well structured, contain all the information an address should have, and contain accurate and consistent information.
Consultation with other government agencies in 2016 found that many people capturing addresses from customers, and many IT professionals designing systems that contain addresses, do not have a clear understanding of what makes a good address, and in particular, how concepts like validation help improve the addresses in their systems.
The purpose of this document is to explain address concepts and practical issues (including ‘validation’) for people in agencies and organisations working with addresses.
LINZ would like to acknowledge the assistance of e-Spatial Ltd and Statistics New Zealand.
Standards
Some information presented here is adapted from the existing New Zealand standards for address information:
The New Zealand Profile of ISO 19160-1:2015 Addressing Part 1: Conceptual Model
The New Zealand profile localises the international ISO standard (adopted in Australia and New Zealand as AS/NZS ISO 19160.1 Conceptual Model), providing a New Zealand representation of the basic concepts of address information. The profile can be openly shared and used in addressing systems and applications.
AS/NZS 4819: Rural and urban addressing
The Australia and New Zealand Urban and Rural Addressing Standard provides requirements and guidance for addressing authorities to use for assigning addresses, and naming roads and localities.
More information
To purchase these standards in full, visit the Standards website:
- AS/NZS ISO 19160.1:2018 Addressing Part 1: Conceptual Model
- AS/NZS 4819:2011 Rural and urban addressing
Learn more about the Property Data Management Framework.