Road naming

Roads that need a name

When new roads are created through a subdivision or other development, they need to be named.

All public roads need a road name.

Names also need to be provided for a private road, private way, right of way or access lot, if six or more lots (or address sites) are accessed from it.

Roads that don't need a name

Short cul-de-sacs or private roads with five or fewer lots, which are not proposed to be lengthened or have additional address sites, do not need to be named.

When to start a road name application

When new roads are created through a subdivision, and a subdivision resource consent is approved, the road-naming process should be started as soon as possible.

All road names need to be approved prior to applying for a Section 223 RMA certificate.

The key professional for the subdivision and road naming process is a licensed cadastral surveyor. You may also need a consultant planner, an engineer and a lawyer.

Road naming guidelines

Our road naming guidelines provide direction to applicants, developers, our staff, local boards and mana whenua on the procedures for naming and renaming roads in Auckland.

The guidelines document is divided into two parts:

• Part 1 - Road naming objectives, principles and technical requirements.
• Part 2 - The application and approval process (local boards are the decision-makers on all road names for their area).

Download a copy of the road naming guidelines

​Choosing a road name

Road names should generally:

• be reflective of the history, culture and identity of the area they are located in
• be easy to spell and pronounce to help with clarity and directions
• be unique and not duplicated anywhere else in the region, and not have a similar sound or spelling to existing road names
• not be offensive or easily corrupted into an offensive or denigrating version.

​Pre-application name check

We need to check and confirm that proposed names are acceptable for use before you proceed with an application.

Searching for similar sounding names can be difficult, and there are also lots of new names being proposed at the same time, from different developments, that may conflict.

To apply for a pre-application name check, email centralsubdivision@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz with "Road name pre-application check" and the site address as the email subject line.

You will need to include:

• your name, contact details, email address, and your role in the application (e.g. owner) - if you are an agent, include the site owner's name and contact details too
• location / site address of the road to be named
• reference number for the resource consent that approved the creation of the road
• a copy of the resource consent decision and approved plans
• three proposed names for each road to be named - one preferred name and two alternatives
• the meaning of the proposed names.

We will respond to you in writing to confirm if your proposed road names are acceptable for use, or to advise if you need to explore other options.

​Engage with mana whenua

We encourage the use of Māori road names.

Engaging relevant mana whenua early on in the development process can help in selecting new road names based on local themes, particularly for medium to large developments with multiple new roads.

Refer to the document Road naming guidelines Part 2: Application process for information regarding mana whenua engagement and feedback.

To learn more, see Find mana whenua contacts for your area or Engaging with mana whenua.

Submit an application

Refer to the application checklist in Road naming guidelines Part 2: Application process. You will need this checklist to complete your application.

You will also need to complete the road name application form:

​Once you have read the road naming guidelines and completed the pre-application name check and application checklist, email your completed application form and supporting documents to centralsubdivision@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Attach your supporting evidence, including the application checklist, as PDF documents.

The relevant team (central, south, north or west) will process your application, depending on the road location.

Local board responsibilities and processes

Local boards have decision-making responsibility for road naming in Auckland.

By following our road naming guidelines you can ensure the relevant local board has the information they need to make a decision on your road name, and reduce the risk of delays to your development.

It takes approximately two to three months to receive a formal decision from the local board.

This is because of the time we need to review the application, write the political report, and meet local board monthly agendas deadlines.

Start your road-naming application as soon as possible after the subdivision consent is granted. This avoids potential delays before you request s223 and 224c certification from us, or Records of Title from Land Information New Zealand.