Applying to name or rename a road

Council will choose names that:

• reflect the identity of the Waikato district
• hold historical significance
• hold cultural significance to Tangata Whenua
• memorialise deceased people important to the area’s history or significant events
• commemorate people and places of significance to the Waikato district

Names must:

• be unique (not be the same or be spelt or sound like existing roads in the region)
• be easy to read and pronounce
• be brief (up to 15 characters and only 10 characters for short streets)
• be one word (do not use hyphens to connect two words)
• use the correct road type (for example street, crescent, avenue)

Names in te reo Maaori:

• can be longer than 15 characters
• can be more than one word
• must have its spelling approved by relevant iwi, hapuu and/or marae representatives
• must be approved by Council’s Manu Taaiko Manager.

For full details, see the ‘Criteria for selecting names’ in the Road naming policy

Pre-approved road names

Some community boards have lists of pre-approved road names. These names have already been consulted on and are ready for you to use in your application.

1. Ask Council for a list of names

   Some community boards have lists of pre-approved road names. To ask Council if there is a list for your area, email info@waidc.govt.nz.

   Remember to include your road’s location.

   Tip: Put ‘road naming’ in the subject line of your email.

2. Download and fill in the form

   Road name application (PDF 210KB)

3. Scan your form
4. Send your form to us

   Email your form to:

   info@waidc.govt.nz

   Tip: Put ‘road naming’ in the subject line of your email.

5. Pay the invoice
   Council will email you an invoice, which must be paid before we can process your application.

1. Download the form

   Road name application (PDF 210KB)

2. Make a list of names

   Read the policy and follow the guidelines to make a list of names for Council to consider.

   Road Naming Policy (PDF 207KB)

3. Check that your names are unique

   Check wither there are existing road names that sound similar to yours in or near the Waikato district. Land Information New Zealand Toituu Te Whenua (LINZ) recommends that similarly sounding road names be at least 25km apart.

   Search for your road names on:

   • Google Maps
   • NZ Post: Address and postcode finder
   
   

   On the application form, write your findings in the ‘Location of duplicate or similar sounding name in NZ’ column.

4. Give your reasons

   Find historical documents or write a note explaining the significance of the names you have chosen. On the application form, write a short summary in the ‘Reason’ column.

5. Consult with mana whenua

   Discuss your road name with relevant local iwi, hapuu and/or marae representatives. If you need their contact details, email Council’s Manu Taaiko team:

   info@waidc.govt.nz

   Tip: Put ‘mana whenua’ in the subject line of your email.

6. Scan your form and documents

   Remember to include:

   • your completed form
   • a site plan of the road or roads
   • evidence of your consultations
   • historical documents or a written note explaining your names (optional)
   
   
7. Send your form and documents to us

   Email your form and documents to:

   info@waidc.govt.nz

   Tip: Put ‘road naming’ in the subject line of your email.

8. Pay the invoice

   Council will email you an invoice, which must be paid before we can process your application.

If you are applying to rename a road, you must also:

• consult with all residents and businesses on that road and obtain their written agreement
• write a note explaining your reasons for renaming the road

Include these documents in your email to Council.