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Applying for a Rapid Number

 To efficiently and accurately supply a Rapid number, we need good quality information to ensure we identify the exact property and entrance. To help you provide this, we ask you to:

• Complete the  RAPID application form 
• Mark the entrance to the property on a map

and return this to us with the appropriate fee. 

The property information can be found on your rate account or assessment. Contact us if you need assistance.

How do I find out if a property has a RAPID number?

The distinctive blue and white number plate will be at the entrance to the property. If no number is visible and you think that trhe property has a Rapid number, Contact us to check the Property Location for the Rapid Number. If it does not appear on our database, you may apply for one.

What if there isn't a RAPID number recorded?

Fill out a RAPID application form and mark the entrance to the property on a map.

If producing a map is a problem, Contact us for assistance.

How long will it take before I receive my RAPID number?

This can take up to 3 weeks. The plate will then be made up and posted out for you to attach at the entrance to the property .

What if I need a number for emergency services?

As a temporary resource - the nearest number to the property would be used. Telecom, Top Energy & NZ Post are pretty good about receiving this information as a temporary use until they have been notified of the correct detail.

What is RAPID numbering?

RAPID stands for Rural Address Property IDentification. It gives every rural residential property a road number, just like urban streets have.

Why is it done?

Sometimes it is hard to explain exactly where you live on long rural roads. RAPID is particularly useful for emergency services such as police, fire, ambulance and civil defence. It is helpful for service providers such as NZ Post, Telecom, couriers and power authorities.

Most of the rural areas in NZ are now RAPID numbered and the system has been very successful in assisting in fast location of rural properties.

How are RAPID numbers allocated?

RAPID numbers are allocated south to north and/or east to west along the road. Your RAPID number will be based on the distance your property is from the beginning of the road on which it is located.

The numbers are allocated to properties by measuring in metres, the distance from the commencement of the road to the centre of the dwelling's driveway.

The final measurement is divided by 10, and then rounded to a whole number. Numbers on the right of the road are even; those on the left are odd. For example a property located 825 meters from the commencement of the road would be numbered 82 if on the right side of the road or 83 if on the left side of the road. If there is more than one dwelling off a driveway then a letter e.g. A, B, or C is appended.

The first house along will be A, the second B, etc. It is the owner's decision whether they want to put up their own number on the house itself.

There are particular protocols for long roads, such as state highways, and where long roads continue through townships.

State Highways

The maximum length of RAPID numbering is 100km, then the numbering starts again. For this reason it is important that the locality of the property accompany the RAPID number, eg; No. 2345 SH.1, Ohaeawai.

SH.1 has 3 sections:

• Whangarei to Ohaeawai
• Ohaeawai to Kaitaia (Ohaeawai is the junction of SH.1 & SH.12)
• Kaitaia to as far as the road SH.1 goes.

SH.10 has 2 sections as it just over 100km:

• SH.1 (Pakaraka) to Kaeo
• Kaeo to SH.1 (Awanui)

SH.12 has 2 sections:

• Dargaville to Opononi
• Opononi to SH.1 at Ohaeawai

Townships

Where a township has no existing numbers the RAPID numbers are continuous through the township.

If urban numbers exist the RAPID stops at the commencement of same and starts again where urban numbers end, but the distance measurements continue through the town, eg; Kawakawa (SH.1) has urban numbers, so the RAPID stops at 5349 and starts again at 5630.

However if the town is the point of commencement for a new section (ie, its getting close to 100 kms) then the RAPID ends at the commencement of urban numbering and starts a new series where urban numbering ends.

Every attempt is made to avoid overlaps in the numbers in the urban/RAPID changeover. However, there may be some sorting out required where people have 'adopted' a number for themselves. Often an urban part of the SH network has it's own name which helps.

How will RAPID affect my address?

The RAPID number should be added to the usual RD address. For example, J. Bloggs, 963 Specific Road, RD.3, Lovelytown (no need for any prefix like "RAPID").

What if I have a problem with the number?

Several people have had issues with certain numbers, eg; No.13 and No.666. It is not possible to change the number, as it reflects the distance along the road and every 1 represents 10 metres. We cannot change the number without compromising the integrity of the numbering system. Also, some people have a philosophical objection to being numbered. You are reassured that this system is a SERVICE that Council is providing ... and it is not compulsory.

Where are they put/what do they look like?

Your RAPID plate should be attached in a prominent position close to your vehicle entrance, which could be on a letterbox, gatepost or wooden fence. Plates are to be fixed parallel to the road. They have reflective blue numbers for ease of visibility, especially at night. There's also an FNDC logo to distinguish them from other plates (eg. dairy company plates).

What happens to the information?

The information on the RAPID numbering is recorded by GPS and uploaded into the council's GIS (Geographic Information System).

It is also loaded into Landonline, Land Information New Zealand's national property database. Emergency services then have access to this information so they can quickly and accurately locate a residential property in a rural area.

Can I have another plate for my stockyard, packing shed etc?

You may buy a plate for a small fee.

What if my number goes missing or is destroyed?

Please keep a record of the RAPID number that has been allocated to a property in a safe place so it is easily replaced if the plate goes missing for any reason.

There is a charge for replacement plates.

What is the Charge for a RAPID Plate?

New plate: a $25 fee is applicable.
Replacement plate: a $10 fee is applicable.