Learn about the work we do as the government agency responsible for providing navigational products and services that support safe shipping. These products and services enable New Zealand to meet its international obligations concerning the safety of life at sea.

Reliable, up-to-date nautical information is vital for safe navigation. As the New Zealand Hydrographic Authority, Toitū Te Whenua commissions hydrographic surveys to map the seafloor, coastline, and other marine features. We use this information to ensure that our nautical charts and publications meet the needs of mariners navigating waters in New Zealand, the South-West Pacific and the Ross Sea area of Antarctica.

As part of our role, we’re responsible for our region’s successful adoption of a new global standard that will transform shipping navigation so it’s fully digital, safer and more sustainable. Our work is focused on helping mariners understand and use three of the standard’s charting products that we expect to introduce from 2026. 

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Got a query about hydrography? 

Email our Customer support team:

customersupport@linz.govt.nz