02/06/2026
Over the last few weeks, we have seen a noticeable increase in enquiries where neighbouring property owners are disagreeing over boundary locations. These situations can be stressful, especially when fences, landscaping, driveways, sheds, or long held assumptions about “where the boundary is” come into question.
In many cases, the best way forward is a boundary reinstatement survey. This is a straightforward cadastral survey where a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor confirms the legal boundary position, places new legal boundary pegs, and prepares the required survey plan for registration with Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
Many of New Zealand’s original surveys are now well over 100 years old. Over that time, the original boundary pegs have often disappeared, fences have been replaced, land use has changed, and properties have passed through many different owners. What appears to be the boundary on the ground today is not always the legal boundary shown in the survey records.
Once completed, the legal boundary position is clear. The new pegs cannot simply be argued with, moved, or tampered with by either party. They provide certainty for everyone involved and help avoid ongoing confusion or dispute.
It is always a shame when neighbourly matters reach this point, as good relationships across the fence are important. However, when uncertainty becomes disagreement, our role is to provide accurate, independent, and legally recognised survey information so both parties can move forward with assurance.
If you are unsure where your boundary lies, or a boundary issue is starting to cause concern, getting advice can often prevent a small misunderstanding from becoming a much bigger problem.
Would you recognise this as being the original boundary position ?? This black rectangle in the clay is a peg that is around 120 years old.
Ngā mihi nui,
– Rhys Kelly
Branch Manager / Waikato Branch
Licensed Cadastral Surveyor | BSurv, MS+SNZ
