When a proposed new road or right of way requires a name, there are specified conditions in the subdivision consent or right of way approval.

Request a road or right of way name

Download, complete and submit the application form, along with supporting information to resourceconsentapplications@ccc.govt.nz.

To avoid cut-off dates and delays in obtaining the s223 certificate, it is recommended that a road naming application is submitted well in advance.

Apply

When new roads are created through a subdivision, and a subdivision consent is approved, the road-naming process should be started as soon as possible as all road names need to be approved prior to applying for a s223 certificate.

Email dutyplanner@ccc.govt.nz if you would like to discuss the proposed road names prior to submitting your request.

Staff time involved in assessing applications and preparing reports for the consideration of the Community Board will be charged as part of the final fees for the subdivision consent or right of way application.

  • A plan of the subdivision or right of way showing connections to existing roads within the surrounding road network, and the names of all existing and proposed roads on the plan.
  • A short explanation of the background for each name, including its origin and link with the area.
  • For names with Maori origins, details of consultation with relevant Rūnanga via Mahaanui Kurataiao Limited (MKT).
  • Confirmation that the names do not duplicate or are not similar in sound or spelling to any existing road name within the Christchurch District or the immediate surrounding area. It is recommended that this check is initially undertaken using a street directory or internet search.
  • At least three options for each road/right of way, in order of preference (this helps to avoid repeating the Community Board approval process if a name is not approved).
  • Where the name is for an existing right of way, the written approval of all existing owners.
  • Confirmation that the proposal is consistent with the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4819:2011 Rural and urban addressing and Guidelines for Addressing In-fill Developments 2019 - LINZ OP G 01245.
  • Changing the road type but keeping the same or similar road name will not be accepted under the relevant guidelines. For example, if there is an existing Smith Street and a proposed name of Smiths Lane, this would not be accepted as it is a duplicate name.

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)(external link) also has information on addressing standards and guidelines.

The approval of road and right of way names is at the discretion of the local Community Board.  

Council’s policy on roads and rights of way naming(external link) provides guidance to applicants, developers, our staff and Community Boards on the procedures for naming and renaming roads.

  • Where more than one road is being created in a subdivision, a common theme is recommended.
  • Personal names are discouraged unless the name has a historical connection with the property being subdivided, or that of a well-known local identity, or prominent Cantabrian or New Zealander.
  • Names are to be chosen in proportion to the length of the road. Long names on short cul-de-sacs can be very difficult to display on a map.
  • All new private rights of way and access lots to be named must be called '...Lane'.
  • Names must not duplicate or be similar in spelling or sound to other road names in the Christchurch District or the immediate surrounding area.