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RPC Land Surveyors Commitment to Excellence: Memberships with S+SNZ and CSNZ

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RPC Land Surveyors is a member of Survey and Spatial New Zealand (S+SNZ), the leading professional body for surveying, geospatial, and spatial information professionals in the country. Whether you’re an experienced surveyor or just starting your career, S+SNZ offers a range of benefits that can elevate our practice, continue Professional Development, and provide networking opportunities. S+SNZ membership also signals to our clients that we are committed to upholding the highest standards of practice and are continuously developing our skills. RPC Land Surveyors are also members of the Consulting Surveyors of New Zealand which focuses on the business needs and issues in an ever-changing industry.

We recently attended our quarterly branch meeting and got 2nd in the Pub Quiz! There was a strong ’networking’ element to this meeting!

At RPC Land Surveyors, we’re committed to excellence in land surveying, geospatial data, and spatial information services across New Zealand. As active members of Survey and Spatial New Zealand (S+SNZ) and the Consulting Surveyors of New Zealand (CSNZ), our team stays connected to the latest industry standards, technologies, and professional development opportunities. Our involvement with these leading organisations ensures that we deliver accurate, reliable, and innovative surveying solutions for clients in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Auckland regions, supporting projects of all sizes with professionalism and expertise.

What a Shot! Christmas Function!

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Last weekend, our team from all over (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and beyond) descended on the beautiful town of Cambridge for our much-anticipated Christmas celebration. And what a day it was!

We kicked things off with a couple of hours of archery—a chance for everyone to channel their inner Robin Hood (or Katniss Everdeen, depending on your vibe). Turns out, we’re a pretty competitive bunch! After a lot of laughs, some questionable aim, and plenty of friendly banter, Peter from Auckland stole the show. This guy, who had never even held a bow and arrow before, hit three bullseyes in the grand final! Talk about beginner’s luck (or maybe he’s secretly been practising in his backyard?).

Once the bows were down, it was time to refuel. We headed to Alpino for a delicious lunch, where the food was almost as good as the company. Stories were swapped, glasses were raised, and we all agreed it was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible year together.

Thanks to everyone who made the journey and brought their A-game (both on the range and at the table)! Here’s to another year of teamwork, success, and a bit of friendly competition.

Our annual Christmas celebration isn’t just about fun and games; it’s a key part of building a strong, connected team across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato. By bringing our people together, we reinforce the values, mission, and vision that guide everything we do at RPC Land Surveyors. Stronger collaboration and team spirit translate directly into better service for our clients, ensuring every land development project we undertake is delivered with precision, care, and excellence. Celebrating together helps us recharge, reflect on a year of achievements, and set the standard for continued land development excellence in the regions we serve.

Understanding Auckland’s Watercare Capacity Constraints. What Developers Need to Know!

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Auckland water infrastructure constraints

Understanding Auckland water infrastructure constraints and how they impact development projects.Why Auckland Water Infrastructure Constraints Are Increasing

Auckland is growing fast, and with that growth comes pressure on its water and wastewater systems. Watercare, the organisation responsible for managing these services, faces major challenges keeping up with demand. Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening and what it means for you.

Since Auckland’s water services were unified in 2010, the region has seen rapid population growth and urban expansion. The 2016 Auckland Unitary Plan encouraged more intensive development, which has added even more pressure on the existing systems. As a result, some areas now have limited capacity for water and wastewater services, potentially slowing new developments unless upgrades are made.

How to Check Auckland Water Infrastructure Constraints in Your Area

Watercare has a tool to help identify areas with infrastructure constraints. You can access their interactive map to see if your property is in an affected zone. Here’s how:

  1. Visit Watercare’s mapping tool.
  2. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  3. Use the search bar to find your property and check its status.

The map shows:

  • Areas with wastewater constraints.
  • Areas with water supply issues.
  • Zones with both types of limitations.

For the most accurate results, perform a detailed analysis of your specific site.

What Auckland Water Infrastructure Constraints Mean for Development

If your property falls within a constrained area, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t develop. Each project is reviewed based on factors like location, demand, and development scale. Some developments may proceed if aligned with planned upgrades or alternative solutions.

Key options include:

  • Building up to three dwellings in certain residential zones under permitted activity rules.
  • Applying for conditional consents that match the timing of infrastructure improvements.
  • Exploring subdivision options around existing developments.

Watercare’s Plans for the Future

Watercare is addressing these challenges through large-scale infrastructure projects, some of which are scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2040. These projects include major upgrades to treatment plants and network expansions to support Auckland’s growth.

Need Expert Advice on Auckland Water Infrastructure Constraints?

Navigating these constraints can be tricky. If you’re planning to develop in Auckland, doing a through due diligence and early consultation with experts can save time and money. Our team at RPC Land Surveyors can assess your project’s viability and provide tailored advice.

Click here to ask us more about how we can support your best work.

Auckland water infrastructure constraints

Network Capacity in Auckland | Image Source | Watercare website (Auckland), click here to learn more.

Planning Ahead for Auckland Development Success

Understanding and navigating Auckland’s water infrastructure constraints is essential for any development project. Early assessment, careful planning, and consultation with experts can save time, reduce costs, and increase the likelihood of project approval. Developers who proactively consider water and wastewater limitations, align their projects with planned infrastructure upgrades, and use tools like Watercare’s interactive map are better positioned to succeed in Auckland’s competitive development environment.

RPC Land Surveyors provide professional advice on site viability, infrastructure constraints, and compliance requirements, helping developers make informed decisions. Whether you are planning a residential subdivision, multi-dwelling project, or commercial development, our team can guide you through the complexities of Auckland’s water and wastewater systems, ensuring your project aligns with both current capacity and future growth plans.

Contact RPC Land Surveyors to discuss your project and get expert guidance on navigating Auckland’s water infrastructure constraints.

The life and times of a Chainman

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In the often-overlooked world of land surveying, there exists a breed of professionals who measure the earth’s dimensions with nothing but chains, tapes, and a good sense of humour – the survey chainman.  These unsung heroes of precision play a pivotal role in ensuring that the ground beneath our feet is accurately mapped out, with a dash of wit and a sprinkle of practicality.

While modern technology has crept into the surveying world, survey chainmen hold onto their classic tools like a proverbial pirate clutching a treasure map.  Armed with chains and tapes, they weave through bushes and leap over boulders, all while making sure not to trip over their own measurements (or each other!).

In a world of land surveying, precision is key.  A missed measurement of a misrecorded angle could lead to a misplaced building or a legal dispute hotter than a freshly calibrated laser.  But amidst the seriousness, survey chainmen bring a touch of levity to the field.  Imagine their banter as they debate whether a certain landmark is ‘eleven and a half chains to the west’ or ‘just a stone throw away’ – accuracy with a side of sarcasm.

For many survey chainmen, the journey doesn’t end with a measuring tapes and muddy boots.  Some aspire to become licensed surveyors, mastering the art of cartography and legal boundaries.  Others find joy in the camaraderie of the field, swapping stories of encounters with landowners who swear their property line extends to the moon.

So, the next time you see a surveyor’s team out in the wild, spare a thought for the unsung heroes – the survey chainmen.  They’re the ones ensuring your neighbour’s fence isn’t encroaching on your prized rose garden, all while keeping spirits high and the measurements even higher.  After all, in the world of surveying, where precision meets practicality, a good laugh and a steady hand are as essential as the North Star.

 

Image of Survey Chainman on hill overlooking mountains and water

By Rodney Kendall

Charting the future generation of Surveyors

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Peter from our Auckland office has his boys career paths set out from a young age. They are learning what their Dad does at work. Training the next generation of Surveyors runs in the blood, Pete’s Dad is a lector at Unitech teaching Surveying. Through Pete’s chats with his kids, they are developing important life skills such from problem solving, time management and particularly in the context of surveying, the importance of thorough checking.

Image of child and father on hill with survey equipment

“I can already see how these traits are beginning to shape the kids’ education. For example, instead of simply completing mathematical division questions for homework, they tend to use multiplication to CHECK their answer. It’s wonderful to observe how these small but crucial habits are becoming part of their problem-solving approach”

Image of father and child with survey device and clipboard

By Peter Latu

At RPC Land Surveyors, we are passionate about mentoring the next generation of surveying professionals and fostering skills that are critical for success in the land surveying and spatial information industry. By introducing young learners to surveying concepts and practices from an early age, they develop essential abilities such as problem-solving, attention to detail, time management, and accuracy in project work. This hands-on approach reflects our commitment to professional growth and ensures that knowledge and best practices are passed on to future generations.

Our team’s focus on training and development supports our mission to provide high-quality surveying services across the Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato regions. By cultivating strong technical skills and professional habits in emerging talent, RPC Land Surveyors continues to deliver reliable and precise land surveying solutions for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, while reinforcing the importance of mentorship and continuous learning within the surveying profession.

Introducing Tom, our new Resource Mangement Planner

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Tom has joined RPC Land Surveyors in their Mount Maunganui office as a Lead Resource Management Planner. He is a Tauranga local and enjoys getting out on the water, be it salt or freshwater, for a weekend of fishing.

Having graduated from Waikato University with a BEP, Tom went on to work with Tauranga City Council as a consent’s planner for a number of years before heading off overseas. Tom returned home, where he found work with the Department of Conservation as a RMA Planner working on delivering improved conservation outcomes through nationally significant consenting projects and engagement in district and regional plans. Tom is excited to be a part of the team here at RPC Land Surveyors and is looking forward to getting you know you all.

At RPC Land Surveyors, our Resource Management Planners work alongside surveyors, engineers, and developers to deliver seamless land development and consenting solutions across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Auckland regions. With extensive experience in RMA planning, environmental management, and council consenting processes, our team provides practical advice and efficient outcomes for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Whether you’re seeking help with resource consents, plan changes, or site development, RPC Land Surveyors combines local knowledge with technical expertise to help clients move confidently through every stage of the planning process.

What is Planning?

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Put simply Planning directs what land owners can and can’t do on their property under the Resource Management Act 1991. 

The truth is Planning is more than just ‘red tape’.  It has a significant bearing on how communities are shaped and how the environment is protected. Planners work revolves around balancing the demands on land with the needs of the community.

Hiring a professional planner to write your resource consent application offers several advantages over other approaches:

  1. Expertise in Regulations and Requirements:

    • Planners are well-versed in local regulations, district plans, and the Resource Management Act (RMA). They ensure your project aligns with legal requirements, minimising the risk of delays or non-compliance.

  2. Navigating Complex Processes:

    • District and regional plans can be lengthy and intricate. Experienced planners efficiently navigate these documents, saving you time and effort.

  3. Tailored Solutions:

    • Planners customise your consent application based on your specific project. They address unique challenges, such as environmental impact assessments or heritage considerations.

  4. Efficient Communication with Councils:

    • Planners understand council processes and terminology. They communicate effectively with local authorities, streamlining the approval process.

  5. Cost-Effective Approach:

    • While hiring a planner involves a fee, it often saves costs in the long run. Avoiding mistakes or rejections due to incomplete applications can prevent costly delays.

In summary, a professional planner ensures your resource consent application is thorough, compliant, and well-prepared, ultimately enhancing your project’s chances of success.

image of a drawing of town planning

By Sam & Rachel

At RPC Land Surveyors, we provide expert surveying services that help clients navigate the complexities of land development across New Zealand. From cadastral surveys and boundary definitions to topographic mapping and site planning, our team ensures precise, reliable results every time. With extensive experience in working alongside developers, councils, and property owners, we deliver solutions that are compliant with regulations and tailored to each project’s unique needs. By combining advanced surveying technology with local expertise, RPC Land Surveyors supports efficient project planning, reduces risks, and helps clients make informed decisions.

Our professional surveyors understand the critical role accurate land information plays in property development and management. Whether it’s resource consent applications, subdivision planning, or construction layout, RPC Land Surveyors provides comprehensive surveying services that streamline processes and save time. We are committed to quality, precision, and client-focused service, making us a trusted partner for developers, architects, and property owners alike. Choose RPC Land Surveyors for dependable, high-quality surveying solutions that turn complex land development challenges into successful outcomes.

Your Pets Are Curious About Surveying Too!

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Pets, with their unyielding curiosity, often become unexpected companions to land surveyors as they diligently work to map out the terrain and property boundaries. Your goats, cats, dogs, cows and chickens have followed our survey teams around your properties in recent months – some venture out to inspect the commotion, few scatter and most follow! Cats, ever the vigilant observers, perch on nearby fences, their eyes following the surveyors’ every move with intense interest. Dogs, tails wagging with excitement, eagerly investigate the survey equipment. And goats, cows and chickens, they follow your every step!

 With an estimated 64% of New Zealand households having pet ownership, it is a near daily occurrence that the survey teams meet your pets. Luckily the bigger animals tend to be chained up or enclosed in the backyard, otherwise we all hear a funny story during our Friday afternoon wind-down chips and drink.

We look forward in meeting your pet companions on our next adventure

By Paul Harvey

What is the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land?

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Councils throughout New Zealand are bound by National Policy Statements which are in place for the purpose of stating objectives and policies for matters of national significance.

The latest one we have encountered in our day to day work is the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) which came into effect in October 2022.

The NPS-HPL is designed to ensure the availability of New Zealand’s most favourable soils for future food production. The NPS-HPL provides direction to improve the way highly productive land is managed under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

There are six categories of productive land and in practical terms they are listed as “Classes” and some classes can prohibit subdivision or fragmentation of land. We have encountered this on several jobs with two rural subdivisions in particular – one where we proposed to subdivide land in return for creating bush protections lots (NPS-HPL trumps this purpose) and one for a small scale lifestyle subdivision.

The mapping of the NPS-HPL is not always accurate and in both the above cases, the properties were mapped as Class III and therefore fragmentation was not appropriate. We therefore required expert reporting to verify the appropriateness of the classification. Where land has been modified or, for example, is too steep then say a Class III classification might not be correct. That turned out to be the case here as we were able to accurately map the land and confirm the true contour.

In summary, Soils Classification is one of the parameters we check when advising on the subdivision of land  and we can refer to a qualified Soils Scientist as well as published records to check on the current classification for your property before going too far down the subdivision track.

As with all legislation of this type, Council’s must decide how to interpret and apply these rules so it is always an evolving situation which we keep up to date with during the course of our work.

What is a Limited Title?

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Some titles have the wording “Limited as to Parcels” appearing underneath the title heading. This does not mean that the title is defective. It does mean that the area and boundaries of the land are not guaranteed.

 It was not always a requirement that land had to be surveyed as part of the subdivision process. Although not common, this practice was still used as late as the 1960’s before legislation made it compulsory that all subdivisions had to be surveyed.

 Implications

 What does it mean in practical terms to the land owner or developer when their title is limited as to parcels?

  • The actual area and boundaries of the site may be different from that on the title.

  • As the property was never surveyed, the Survey Act and Rules prohibit a redefinition survey, i.e. should a person need to know where their boundaries are, a land surveyor is not allowed to peg the site. A survey has to be undertaken to remove the limitations and a guaranteed title issued. As part of this procedure the boundaries will be pegged.

  • Some Councils will not accept resource consent applications for development where the title is limited as to parcels. This is particularly prevalent for commercial sites where development occurs either on or very close to the boundaries.

Removal of limitations survey

A surveyor generally follows the same procedures for a removal of limitation survey as for a normal subdivision. More attention is given to occupation, particularly fences, walls or other structures older than 30 years that may be evidence of a boundary position.

A normal land transfer plan is prepared, approved by LINZ and lodged with the District Land Registrar for registration. Prior to registration, the consent of adjoining owners must be obtained.  It may be that an adjoining land owner disputes the position of the boundary.  There are two ways of obtaining consent from adjoining owners:-

  • The surveyor prepares a copy of the survey plan with the names of the registered owners of adjoining properties thereon. The surveyor or owner can then call on the adjoining owners in person and request them to sign the plan. This way can be quick should all adjoining owners agree. The downside of this way is that people will not sign for frivolous reasons that bear no relation to the position of the boundaries.

  • The second approach is for the District Land Registrar to serve notice on adjoining owners. The owners must respond within a statutory time frame if they object to the position of the boundaries. If they do not respond, it is deemed that they have no objection and registration can proceed.

 If an adjoining owner wants to object, they arrange for a caveat to be placed against the current title that will prevent the guaranteed title from being issued. The boundary dispute is then resolved through negotiation or due legal process.

Contact RPC Land Surveyors to assist you with further advice that you may require on limited titles or the removal of limitations.

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