Accretion occurs where a property is bounded by water, has a moveable boundary, and land is added to the property due to gradual and imperceptible changes in the position of the water boundary. The owner may then apply to have the title adjusted to reflect the current position of the water boundary.
This guideline explains how a registered landowner who has established title to land formed by accretion may apply to have their record of title updated. It outlines the factual and legal requirements necessary to fulfil the mandatory requirements set out in the Boundary Changes − Accretion and Dry Beds (Rivers and Streams) Standard 2018 – LINZS20013.
Update note
This guideline supersedes LINZG20783 Accretion and Erosion Guideline 2018 published on 13 November 2018.
This guideline references the Rules for Cadastral Survey 2010 (CSR 2010). The Cadastral Survey Rules 2021 (CSR 2021) came into effect on 30 August 2021. During the 6-month transition period (30 August 2021 to 25 February 2022) cadastral survey datasets (CSDs) could be certified and lodged in terms of the CSR 2010 or the CSR 2021.