Rural Area Property Identification (RAPID) is the identification number assigned to any rural property in the district. RAPID numbers are essential for emergency services such as police, fire, ambulance, and Civil Defence. They are helpful for service providers such as telecommunication companies, couriers, power companies and NZ Post (you will need to contact NZ Post directly to apply for Rural Delivery). It also makes it easier for rural householders to tell people where they live. All rural areas in New Zealand use this numbering system.
RAPID Numbers are based on the distance the vehicle entrance is from the beginning of the road on which it is located. The numbers are allocated to properties by measuring in metres, the distance from the commencement of the road to the centre of the entrance. The final measurement is divided by 10 and then rounded to a whole number. Numbers on the right of the road are even, those on the left are odd.
The RAPID number should be displayed on the gate post or wooden fence at the property entrance from the road, or at the end of the legal and formed road as appropriate.
The number should be placed on the far gate post from the direction that emergency services will be coming from.
The number should be always visible and clear of vegetation.
RAPID numbers can be ordered by completing the form below and either emailing to building@waitaki.govt.nz or dropping it in to our offices:
RAPID plates are ordered by Council once a month and will be posted to you.
Payment is required upon application.
Please refer to our fees and charges page for current prices and ways to pay us.