Road names and paper roads

Apply for a new road name and find out more about paper roads and the process for getting one removed.

Apply for a new road name

We approve names for new public roads, private roads and right-of-ways so that properties have: 

  • accurate addresses
  • can be easily located by emergency services
  • can be serviced for power, mail and telephone.

By email

Step 1.Read the Road Naming Policy

Read our Road Naming Policy for guidance on the application process.

Road Naming Policy

Step 2.Get help 

You can enquire online about the process for new road names or ask other questions.

Enquire about road naming

Step 3.Consult with mana whenua

If you are naming a new public road or are proposing to use a Māori road name, you must demonstrate that you have consulted with the appropriate mana whenua.

If you are unsure of the appropriate mana whenua, please contact us:

Contact us

Step 4.Consult with affected landowners

If there are other landowners whose addresses will be affected, you will need to consult with them.

Step 5.Submit the application

Submit the Road Naming application with 3 choices for road names that are in accordance with the Road Naming Policy. 

Please ensure that you provide good reasons for selecting the suggested road names.

Road Naming Application(PDF, 100KB)

Email it to us:

mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

Step 6.Processing of application

We process the Road Naming application and refer to the Council for adoption.  

Council approves or declines the Road Naming application.

Step 7.Erecting name plate

If approved, it is the developer's responsibility to erect the relevant road sign.

Step 8.Notification of new road name

We will notify emergency services and external service providers of the new road name.  

Step 9.Allocation of new addresses

New addresses are allocated.

By post

Step 1.Read the Road Naming Policy

Read our Road Naming Policy for guidance on the application process.

Road Naming Policy

Step 2.Get help 

You can enquire online about the process for new road names or ask other questions.

Enquire about road naming

Step 3.Consult with mana whenua

If you are naming a new public road or are proposing to use a Māori road name, you must demonstrate that you have consulted with the appropriate mana whenua.

If you are unsure of the appropriate mana whenua, please contact us:

Contact us

Step 4.Consult with affected landowners

If there are other landowners whose addresses will be affected, you will need to consult with them.

Step 5.Submit the application

Submit the Road Naming application with 3 choices for road names that are in accordance with the Road Naming Policy. 

Please ensure that you provide good reasons for selecting the suggested road names.

Road Naming Application(PDF, 100KB)

Post it to us:

Whangarei District Council 
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

Step 6.Processing of application

We process the Road Naming application and refer to the Council for adoption.  

Council approves or declines the Road Naming application.

Step 7.Erecting name plate

If approved, it is the developer's responsibility to erect the relevant road sign.

Step 8.Notification of new road name

We will notify emergency services and external service providers of the new road name.  

Step 9.Allocation of new addresses

New addresses are allocated.

In person

Step 1.Read the Road Naming Policy

Read our Road Naming Policy for guidance on the application process.

Road Naming Policy

Step 2.Get help 

You can enquire online about the process for new road names or ask other questions.

Enquire about road naming

Step 3.Consult with mana whenua

If you are naming a new public road or are proposing to use a Māori road name, you must demonstrate that you have consulted with the appropriate mana whenua.

If you are unsure of the appropriate mana whenua, please contact us:

Contact us

Step 4.Consult with affected landowners

If there are other landowners whose addresses will be affected, you will need to consult with them.

Step 5.Submit the application

Submit the Road Naming application with 3 choices for road names that are in accordance with the Road Naming Policy. 

Please ensure that you provide good reasons for selecting the suggested road names.

Road Naming Application(PDF, 100KB)

Bring in your application to one of our customer service centres.

Te Iwitahi
 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays
Summer holiday closedown: Closed from 4:00pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and reopening at 8:00am on Monday 6 January 2025

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays
Summer holiday closedown: Closed from 4:00pm on Tuesday 24 December 2024 and reopening at 8:30am on Monday 6 January 2025

Service centre at isite
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Step 6.Processing of application

We process the Road Naming application and refer to the Council for adoption.  

Council approves or declines the Road Naming application.

Step 7.Erecting name plate

If approved, it is the developer's responsibility to erect the relevant road sign.

Step 8.Notification of new road name

We will notify emergency services and external service providers of the new road name.  

Step 9.Allocation of new addresses

New addresses are allocated.

A paper road is a legal road which Council owns but which hasn't been formed as a road for vehicles. The public is able to use paper roads, but generally only for walking or cycling.

Some paper roads cut across private land and courtesy must be shown to the landowners.

Road stopping

A paper road may never be needed as a formed road, in which case Council can undertake a process to remove the roading designation. This is called 'road stopping'.

In some cases, Council may offer the adjacent landowner the right to purchase the land.

Road Stopping application form and information(PDF, 385KB)

The road stopping process

Road stopping is publicly notified and the steps to be followed are set out in Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1974.

Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 10 (legislation.govt.nz)

Enquiries

Use our online forms to enquire about road naming.

Enquire about road naming

Phone:  09 430 4200

Related Information

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