Landwrap - February 2026

Update on PDF uploads in Landonline

In November 2025 we released a change that removed embedded hyperlinks and comments from PDFs uploaded to Landonline. This was to make sure these elements are not saved to the register, helping to keep it secure.

The solution caused problems for some customers as it removed other elements in PDFs, such as e-signatures, highlights and notes. Because of this, we rolled back the change.

We are now reviewing the approach to make sure any future solution works for all customer use cases. This will take time. We’ll keep you updated and let you know when the pilot for the future release is ready.

What you need to do

For now, if you can, please upload PDFs without embedded hyperlinks or comments. This will help us keep the register accurate and secure. Find out more: Uploading PDFs to Landonline

Any queries please contact Customer Support on 0800 ONLINE (0800 665 463) or email customersupport@linz.govt.nz

New Digital Certificate Loader coming

Just a heads up that we have a new browser based digital certificate loader that we will be releasing in the coming months. For Apple Mac users and those with strict firewalls this should make things much simpler for you! Keep a look out for more information soon.

Te Ture Whakahoki i a Kororipo Pā 2025/Kororipo Pā Vesting Act 2025 Registration Guideline 2026 - LINZ OP G 01322

The Registrar-General of Land has published the Te Ture Whakahoki i a Kororipo Pā 2025/Kororipo Pā Vesting Act 2025 Registration Guideline 2026.

The guideline covers the title registration requirements of Te Ture Whakahoki i a Kororipo Pā 2025/Kororipo Pā Vesting Act 2025. The provisions of the Act took effect on the vesting date, 23 January 2026.

The guideline is primarily for Toitū Te Whenua employees with delegated authority to exercise registration functions under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and covers registration requirements and memorial formats for instruments lodged to give effect to the vesting.

Te Ture Whakahoki i a Kororipo Pā 2025/Kororipo Pā Vesting Act 2025 Registration Guideline 2026

A reminder when correcting names in the register

Where a practitioner has made an error when recording their client’s name in the register, they can correct the error by lodging an application to correct the name.

Evidentiary requirements

To comply with their certification obligations, practitioners must hold as evidence:

• an A&I form from the applicant authorising the correction of name instrument
• a document or documents evidencing the grounds for the application, and
• a document confirming the client’s connection to the property or a file note confirming that knowledge – see paragraph 15 of the Authority and Identity Requirements for E-Dealing Guideline 2024.

Further evidence is required if the client is a new client or the application is authorised under a power of attorney as set out in paragraph 17 of the Authority and Identity Requirements for E-Dealing Guideline 2024.

Preparing a correction of name in Landonline

When preparing a change/correction of name instrument, Landonline defaults to ‘Change of Name’. If the application relates to a correction rather than a change of name, select the ‘Correction of Name’ option. This ensures the memorial on the historic view of the record of title shows that the name has been corrected.

Further guidance

We have updated our guidance on changing or correcting names in the register, including what documents can support an application to correct or change a name and where to find Landonline support content.

Changing or correcting names

Have your say on updates to the Survey Control Standard

Consultation is now open on proposed updates to the Standard for New Zealand Survey Control. LINZ is reviewing and modernising the Standard and Guideline, last updated in 2009, to ensure the control system remains fit for purpose. 

The draft will combine the Standard and Guideline into a single document and includes proposed updates to accuracy frameworks, network definitions (including a new 3D Cadastral Control Network), how deformation is monitored, and a new Valuable Geodetic Marks category. 

These changes aim to provide a clearer, more consistent foundation for New Zealand’s spatial referencing system and better support modern surveying, engineering, and geospatial needs. 

Consultation is open until 27 February. 

Have your say and view the proposals here: Seeking feedback on proposed changes to the New Zealand Survey Control Standard

Utility Survey Standard

The Office of the Surveyor-General has updated and refined the Utility Survey Standard - LINZ OP S 01287

This standard specifies the requirements for surveying and recording the position of utility assets. It builds on the Utility Location Standard that was launched in 2022 and now incorporates new accuracy standards for surveying drainage invert levels.

The intention is that the Standard can be more easily adopted by Councils and other utility asset managers as their specification for as-built surveys.

New Cadastral Survey Guidelines published

Two new Cadastral Survey Guidelines were released in December, providing updated support for surveyors working with Māori land and with land exchange scenarios.

Māori Land CSDs

New comprehensive guidance is now available on preparing Cadastral Survey Datasets (CSDs) for Māori land under the Cadastral Survey Rules 2021 (CSR 2021). The guideline outlines key terms, the legislative context (including Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993), and requirements for surveys supporting partitions, amalgamations, roadways, easements, and other actions relating to Māori land. Practical examples from approved ML datasets are included to support consistent application of the rules.

Māori Land CSDs

Surveys for land exchanges

A second guideline provides assistance with preparing CSDs for land exchanges involving Crown land, local authorities, Māori land, reserves, and other tenure types. It summarises the most common legislative scenarios, outlines CSD and reporting requirements, and includes examples illustrating typical exchange processes.

Surveys for land exchanges

The new guidelines will be especially useful when these specialised or less frequently required survey types arise, offering clear guidance and up‑to‑date references to support compliance with CSR 2021.