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Height Standard Changed to NZVD2016

On 1 August 2025, NPDC adopted the New Zealand Vertical Datum 2016 (NZVD2016). NZVD2016 is the official vertical datum used in New Zealand.

Previously Council’s heights were recorded in Taranaki 1970 (TNK70). Datasets held in TNK70 were converted to NZVD2016 using LINZ vertical datum relationship grids for NZVD2016. Datasets such as contour lines and asset records holding ground, lid, or invert levels were updated on 1 August 2025.

Adopting the new standard

NZVD2016 was introduced by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to replace the various local height datums used throughout the country. It enables the consistent collection and seamless exchange of heights across New Zealand.

NZVD2016 established a unified reference surface for height, depth and elevation data. Introduced by LINZ in June 2016, it is now well established and will remain New Zealand’s national vertical datum for the foreseeable future.

All deliverables should continue to specify the reference datum used.

More Information

See LINZ New Zealand Vertical Datum 2016 for more information.

NPDC Transition to NZVD2016

Page last updated: 11:24am Tue 26 August 2025

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