A Rural Address Property Identification (RAPID) is an identification number assigned to any rural property in the district.
The Rural Address Property Identification System (RAPID) is a standard numbering system for rural properties based on the distance to a property entrance from a clearly defined reference point, usually the beginning of the road on which it is located.
The numbers are allocated to properties by measuring the distance from the beginning of the road to the centre of the entrance to the property. This measurement is taken in metres, divided by 10 and rounded to a whole number.
Numbers on the right side of the road are allocated as even numbers, while those on the left side are odd. For example, a property with a driveway that is 375 metres from the beginning of the road would be allocated the RAPID number 38 on the right side of the road and 37 if it were on the left.
If there are multiple properties using a shared entrance way, Council will allocate one RAPID number for all the properties to share with each receiving a letter A-E following the number to differentiate between the properties sharing the access way.
To supply a RAPID number Council needs accurate information to identify the property and its location. Complete the RAPID number application form and mark the entrance to the property on a map.
The property information can be found on your rate account or assessment. If producing a map is a problem, contact us for assistance.
You can apply online or use our paper form, which you can drop off at our service centers in Westport and Reefton.
Numbers will be allocated as soon as possible if the application has been completed correctly and all relevant information has been supplied to Council.
A plate with the allocated number will be made up and the RAPID number plate can be collected at our service centres in Westport or Reefton. For instructions how to install your RAPID number plate to a gatepost at the entrance of your property read our FAQs below.
Find out more about RAPID number below or view our RAPID number Customer Information
As RAPID numbers are allocated, the information is sent to Land Information New Zealand’s national property database. Emergency services have access to this information so they can quickly and accurately locate rural properties.
Quoting a RAPID number may also reduce delays in waiting for service connections and ensure that visitors and contractors can easily locate your property.
How do I find out if a property has a RAPID number?
A white number plate with blue numbers will be attached at the entrance to the property. If no number is visible but you think a number may have been allocated, please contact Council and we will check the property database. If a number has not been allocated, you may apply for one.
What if I have a problem with my RAPID number?
It is not possible to change a number on request as it is based on the distance along the road. If you change the location of your entranceway, please contact Council.
If you are subdividing, a new RAPID number will be required for any new entranceways created.
Can I have a RAPID number if I have no road access?
RAPID numbers are only allocated to properties with accessways directly of a legal road. Any new entranceway created to a new building on a property will require a new RAPID number.
Application forms are available from Council offices in Westport and Reefton or can be downloaded from this page.
Is a RAPID number required as a postal address?
A RAPID number is not a postal address, however in most cases it can be used as one.
For example: J Smith, 883 Fairdown Road, State Highway 67, RD 1, Westport.
Where should the RAPID number plate be installed?
The RAPID number plate supplied by Council must be installed at the main vehicle entrance from the road. This is the primary location used by emergency services, delivery drivers, contractors, and visitors to identify the correct property access.
The RAPID number plate should be mounted on a gate post, fence post, letterbox, or other suitable structure where it can be clearly seen from the road.
What if my property is accessed via a shared driveway or right of way?
The Council-supplied RAPID number plate must still be installed at the entrance to the shared driveway or right of way where it meets the road.
Property owners may choose to install additional numbering at:
Any additional numbering is the responsibility of the property owner and should match the officially allocated address.
Displaying your RAPID number correctly assists emergency services, delivery providers, contractors, and visitors to locate your property quickly and accurately.
Property owners are responsible for ensuring the RAPID number plate remains clearly visible and for replacing or repositioning plates that become damaged, obscured, removed, or difficult to see from the road.
For more information please email rapidnumber@bdc.govt.nz
