Rural addressing (RAPID)

RAPID numbers are assigned exclusively to properties that have a physical entrance directly off a legal road or right of way.

Marlborough District Council is now implementing water-only addressing for properties that are accessible by boat only. Please refer to the Water Addressing section on the Property Addressing page of our website for further information. If you require clarification or assistance, please contact the Addressing Team at MDCAddressing@marlborough.govt.nz

Yes, a property may be assigned more than one RAPID (Rural Address Property Identification) number if it has multiple entranceways. For example, if a property has access points from two separate roads, having a RAPID number for each entrance can assist emergency services in locating the property more efficiently.

If you currently have two RAPID numbers or wish to apply for a second, please contact Marlborough District Council by emailing MDCAddressing@marlborough.govt.nz. When doing so, kindly specify which entranceway should be considered the primary access to the property.

Yes, if your shed, vineyard, or forestry block is accessed via a different entranceway than your primary dwelling, you may apply for a separate RAPID (Rural Address Property Identification) number. This can help emergency services and contractors locate the site more efficiently.

To apply, please complete the online RAPID application form.
Please note that payment is required before your application can be processed.

RAPID numbers are allocated based on the location of a property's entranceway in relation to the starting point of the road it is accessed from. The starting point is determined by Marlborough Roads or the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The number is calculated by measuring the distance in metres from the beginning of the road to the centreline of the property's entranceway. This distance is then divided by 10 and rounded up to the nearest whole number.

• Properties on the left-hand side of the road are assigned odd numbers.
• Properties on the right-hand side are assigned even numbers.

Example:
A property with an entranceway located 935 metres from the start of the road would be assigned RAPID number 93 if on the left-hand side, or 94 if on the right-hand side.

For properties accessed from a state highway, the same calculation method applies.

In cases where multiple addresses share a single entranceway, Marlborough District Council will determine the most appropriate addressing solution. This may include:

• Assigning a base number only,
• Using base numbers with letter suffixes (e.g., 93A, 93B), or
• Creating a new road name.

Under the national addressing standard, a new road name is required when more than five addresses share a single entranceway, regardless of whether the access is via a driveway, right-of-way, or private road.

Where up to five addresses share a single entranceway, Council will provide a range plate free of charge upon the issuance of the fifth RAPID number. The range plate should be placed at the road entrance, while individual number plates should be installed at the specific access points to each property from the shared right-of-way.

When a property is subdivided, the Addressing and Road Naming Coordinator will have provided an Address Plan to the Resource Consent Team as part of the subdivision’s Decision Document.

RAPID numbers are allocated based on the location of entranceways. The following rules apply:

• If the existing entranceway remains with the original dwelling, new RAPID numbers will only be required for the newly created lots.
• If the existing entranceway is allocated to one of the new lots, that lot will retain the current RAPID number. The original dwelling and any other new lots will need to apply for new RAPID numbers.

This is because RAPID numbers are determined by the measured distance from the start of the road to the entranceway. If an entranceway is moved or a new one is created, a new RAPID number must be issued to reflect the updated access point.

If your RAPID number plate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by completing the RAPID Number Application Form.

RAPID numbers are assigned based on the distance from the start of the road, with each number representing 10 metres. For this reason, it is not possible to change your RAPID number upon request.

If you have relocated your entranceway or believe your number may no longer be accurate, please contact the Marlborough District Council by phone at 03 520 7400 or email MDCAddressing@marlborough.govt.nz for assistance.

No, having a RAPID number does not change your postal address. RAPID numbers function similarly to urban street numbers and can be used in the same format. For example:

Mr Joe Smith
785 Queen Charlotte Drive
RD1
Picton 7281

There is no need to include the word "RAPID" in your address.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Marlborough District Council at MDCAddressing@marlborough.govt.nz