New Zealand Launches New Place Name Database

Finding and viewing information on official place names is now much easier, thanks to a new web-based database launched by the New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB). The database – called the Place Names Gazetteer – allows people to search for both the official and unofficial names of places and geographic features throughout New Zealand, as well as those within New Zealand's continental shelf and the Ross Sea region of Antarctica.

The new web-based database replaces the former Gazetteer, which consisted of a series of spreadsheets that only listed official names.

The new Gazetteer is supported by an interactive map covering mainland New Zealand, which – when users search for a place or feature name – displays its location on the map.  Users can also zoom into and pan around the map, download the Gazetteer data in csv format or through the LINZ Data Service.

Place and feature names help provide a rich insight into the history of New Zealand and, therefore, it was the aim to create a tool that was accessible to people and easy to use, said NZGB chairperson Dr Don Grant.

The Gazetteer is an important source of information used by agencies such as councils and government departments.  It will help them to comply with the law by using correct official names on all official documents. In addition to the location of a place or feature, the Gazetteer provides information – if available – such as a brief history of the name, whether or not it’s official, and any other associated names.  This information could be useful for people such as historians and researchers.