Redefinition / Reinstatement Surveys

A boundary reinstatement survey (also called a redefinition survey) locates and re-establishes the legal boundaries of a property based on the original survey records. The surveyor searches historical survey plans, calculates the boundary positions, and places new permanent marks on site. The result gives you certainty about exactly where your legal boundaries lie.

Common reasons include a dispute with a neighbour about a fence or building position, a need to confirm where you can build before applying for a building consent, or a requirement from your bank or solicitor before a property transaction. If you are about to invest in a structure close to a boundary, knowing exactly where that boundary is will save you from costly problems later.

Boundary reinstatement surveys are conducted to the accuracy requirements of the Cadastral Survey Rules 2021 and are legally binding. Orogen's surveyors use current GPS and total station equipment. We will reference existing local survey marks to ensure our measurements are in terms of the underlying property boundaries

Missing marks are common on older properties. When marks are absent, we calculate the boundary position from the original survey records, the network of surrounding surveys, and any physical evidence found on site. We can ground-mark the original positions with new boundary pegs. The process is more involved but the outcome is the same: a legally defined boundary position you can rely on.

Most residential boundary reinstatements are completed within one to two weeks from instruction, including fieldwork and mark placement. More complex properties or those with limited historical records may take longer. We will give you a clear timeframe when you contact us with the property details.

Yes. A survey carried out by a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor and lodged with LINZ provides a legally authoritative record of the boundary position. If a boundary dispute proceeds to the Disputes Tribunal or the courts, our survey report and plan can be submitted as expert evidence.

If you are building close to a boundary, it is strongly advisable to have it reinstated before construction begins. Building in the wrong position relative to a legal boundary can require costly demolition or relocation. Your building consent may also require confirmation that proposed works comply with the district plan setback rules.