What is a RAPID Number?

A Rural Address Property Identification (RAPID) Number is a unique address number assigned to rural properties. It ensures emergency services, visitors, and service providers (e.g., couriers, postal services, utility companies) can locate rural properties quickly and accurately.

How are RAPID Numbers Assigned?

RAPID numbers are based on the distance (in metres) from the start of the road to the property entrance. This distance is divided by 10 and rounded to a whole number. Even numbers are assigned to properties on the right side of the road, while odd numbers are assigned to the left.

Who Needs a RAPID Number?

A RAPID number is required for any rural entrance that needs an address, including dwellings, farm sheds, yards and other structures that require a physical address

Applying for a RAPID Number

Council allocates property numbers to meet the requirements of the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 4819:2011) for rural and urban addressing.

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) are notified of new addresses as soon as possible.  The property numbers and address coordinates are added to the Landonline National Property Database (NPD). Emergency Services rely heavily on these numbers to locate properties quickly.

How to Apply

• Phone: Call 06 374 4080 – please provide us with an email address so we can send an aerial map to confirm the correct location.

• Email: Send inquiries to propertynumbering@tararuadc.govt.nz

How Long Does It Take?

• If all required information is provided, the RAPID number is allocated as soon as possible.
• A plate with the RAPID number will be created. The plate will be posted to you for you to install yourself.

Installing a RAPID Plate

• The blue RAPID plate must be installed at the property entrance.

Please install your RAPID plate to a gateway, fence or freestanding post at the property entrance.  This ensures it will be located easily in an emergency.  An example of where to place the RAPID number is below.  It should not be attached to a gate or mailbox located on the opposite side of the road.

• The plates are:
  • Made from aluminium
  • 200mm wide and 75mm high or 150mm wide and 75mm high. Plate size depends on the length of your RAPID number.
  • Designed with reflective numbers for better visibility, especially at night.
  • RAPID plates in the Tararua District have blue plates with white writing.

If you need your new rural location address to be used as a postal address – you may need to apply for rural delivery at your local PostShop by completing a Rural Delivery Service Agreement.  You will need to present one form of identification with your application. Alternatively, you can apply for rural delivery online on the New Zealand Post website - https://www.nzpost.co.nz

Urban Numbering

Unlike rural properties that use RAPID numbers, urban properties are assigned street numbers for easier identification.

Primary address sites on the left of the road shall be numbered from ‘1’ at the start of the road and increase in order using odd numbers. Primary address sites on the right side of the road shall be numbered from ‘2’ at the datum point and increase in order using even numbers. This also applies to a cul-de-sac. Where this occurs in a development area Council may skip certain numbers to allow for infill subdivision. Corner address sites are addressed depending on where the entrance to the property is.

Where is Urban Numbering Used?

Urban street numbers are used in towns, including: Dannevirke, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Woodville, Norsewood, Ormondville, Akitio and Herbertville.

How Are Urban Street Numbers Assigned?

• Numbers are usually allocated after a new dwelling is built.
• They are assigned free of charge by the Council.
• Properties between existing numbered properties are given a number based on the surrounding sequence.
• There is no number plate provided by Council for urban addresses.

Special Cases for Urban Numbering

• Shared driveways: Rear properties may receive an alphabetical suffix (e.g., 15A, 15B, 15C). Alphabetical suffixes shall start at A, be allocated incrementally, and should not extend beyond E.

Can I Change My Street Number?

• You cannot change your street number for personal reasons (e.g., cultural, religious, or superstitious beliefs).
• Street numbers may change if a development affects numbering consistency.
• Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) can instruct the Council to change a number if it does not meet the standard.

Why Correct Addressing Matters

• Emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) rely on correct property numbering for fast response times.
• Postal and courier services use these numbers to ensure deliveries reach the right location.
• Utility companies (power, water, telecommunications) also depend on accurate addressing.

Compliance with Addressing Standards

The Council follows the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 4819:2011) for rural and urban addressing. For further information please visit the Land Information New Zealand’s website for property addressing: https://www.linz.govt.nz/guidance/property-addressing

For further inquiries about urban or rural numbering, contact:
Telephone: 06 374 4080
propertynumbering@tararuadc.govt.nz

Frequently Asked Questions