Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
alert
Our hours differ during the Christmas closure period across Council, including the statutory clock for building and resource consents and LIMs Find out more
Hit enter to search or ESC to close
Home Property, housing and rates How to... building and resource consents Definitions Vertical datum

Vertical datum

Vertical datum is a surveying term for specific points on the Earth with known heights, above or below sea level. 

In 2016 Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) introduced a new official height standard called New Zealand Vertical Datum 2016 (NZVD2016). This is the official vertical datum for Aotearoa New Zealand, and is supported by a high-quality network of survey control marks maintained by LINZ. 

Council used a local vertical datum called Wellington 1953 (introduced in 1953) until 30 June 2024. From 1 July 2024, any elevation data given to us must use the official New Zealand Vertical Datum 2016 (NZVD2016). 

Updated 14 June 2024