Land Development Glossary of Terms

Curious about land development? This glossary explains key terms in clear, easy-to-understand language, whether you're a homeowner or industry professional.

A - B

Abatement Notice: a legal document issued by a local council or government agency, to address a violation of law.  Examples include environmental or building codes. It outlines what you’ll need to do to rectify the compliance issue.  Failing to do so can lead to legal action.

Asbestos: a naturally occurring mineral fibre once used in building materials. When disturbed, it releases harmful fibres that cause serious health problems. Asbestos identification and removal are essential before renovation or demolition.

Asbestos Surveying: crucial process undertaken in buildings or structures constructed before Year 2000.

As-Built: refers to documented information, like drawings, that reflects the final, constructed condition of a project after any changes from the original plans.

Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP): a document that guides the development and use of Auckland's land. It's like a rulebook for building a better city.

Boundary: also known as a property line or lot line, is the legal imaginary line that marks the exact edge of your property ownership. It defines the limits of your land and separates it from your neighbours’ properties.

C - F

Civil Engineering: This broad field deals with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of physical infrastructure. Think roads, bridges, dams, water systems, and buildings – all creations of civil engineers.

Cross Lease - where you co-own the land and have a leasehold interest in your own dwelling (flat). Exclusive & common use areas may be specified in the lease.

Due Diligence: refers to the investigation, audit, or review process undertaken to verify details and assess risks before entering into an agreement or making a decision.

Ecology: The study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Ecologists assess the impact of development projects on plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Engineering Plan Approval (EPA): is a process in New Zealand that grants permission for the construction of public infrastructure.

Feasibility Assessment: evaluation of a proposed project or plan to determine if it's practical, workable, and likely to succeed.

Freehold/Fee Simple: where you have absolute ownership to land, i.e. it is not shared. Fee simple is a type of freehold and is the highest and most common form of ownership in New Zealand.

L - P

Land Contamination: refers to the presence of harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, or asbestos in soil or groundwater. Identifying and managing contamination is crucial for safe development.

Land Surveying: Land surveyors precisely measure and map property boundaries, elevations, and other features. They play a vital role in construction projects and land development.

Landscape Architecture: Landscape architects design outdoor spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a purpose. Parks, gardens, playgrounds, and even streetscapes fall under their expertise.

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ): a government department responsible for several key areas related to land including titles, crown property, land data and surveying.

Planning: Planners consider social, economic, and environmental factors to create sustainable and liveable communities. They guide development by zoning land uses, designing transportation networks, and ensuring infrastructure meets future needs.

Project Management: Project managers oversee the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from planning and budgeting to scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.