New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009 (NZVD2009)

The reference surface for New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009 (NZVD2009) was New Zealand Quasigeoid 2009 (NZGeoid2009). NZGeoid2009 has been superseded by New Zealand Quasigeoid Geoid2016 (NZGeoid2016) and New Zealand Vertical Datum 2016 (NZVD20016) in July 2016.

New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009 (NZVD2009) was the official national vertical datum used in New Zealand between September 2009 and June 2016. It was New Zealand’s first vertical datum that allowed us to produce nationally consistent normal-orthometric heights (h).  

A vertical datum is a reference system that defines a how heights are represented. For NZVD2009, this includes the definition of its reference surface, the New Zealand Quasigeoid 2009 (NZGeoid2009). Its horizontal coordinates are coincident with New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000 (NZGD2000), allowing us to transform NZGD2000 ellipsoidal heights to NZVD2009 normal-orthometric heights. 

NZVD2009 was succeeded by NZVD2016 in July 2016. The specifications for NZVD2009 were defined in the Standard for New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009 LINZS25004. An article from New Zealand Surveyor (link at the bottom of this page) includes more information.

Standard for New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009

Key parameters for NZVD2016
NameNew Zealand Vertical Datum 2009
AbbreviationNZVD2009
EPSG code4440
Coordinate systemVertical: normal-orthometric
Reference geoidNew Zealand Quasigeoid 2009 (NZGeoid2009)
Local vertical datum offsets
Local vertical datumNZGeoid2009 offset (metres)Standard deviation 
(metres)
One Tree Point 19640.060.03
Auckland 19460.340.05
Moturiki 19530.240.06
Gisborne 19260.340.02
Napier 19620.200.05
Taranaki 19700.320.05
Wellington 19530.440.04
Nelson 19550.290.07
Lyttelton 19370.470.09
Dunedin 19580.490.07
Dunedin-Bluff 19600.380.04
Bluff 19550.360.05
Stewart Island 19770.390.15
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