I85PREP
⌘ K
NZ LCQ study materials
NZ LCQ study resources

NZ LCQ practice questions

One question at a time. Build your NZ LCQ understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002, who is responsible for setting the standards that cadastral surveys must comply with?

  1. The Registrar-General of Land
  2. Heritage New Zealand
  3. The Surveyor-General Correct answer.
  4. The Minister for Land Information

Explanation

The Cadastral Survey Act 2002 gives the Surveyor-General the function of setting and maintaining cadastral survey standards, including the Rules for Cadastral Survey. The Registrar-General of Land administers the land transfer system, not survey standards.

Question 2Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

What is the principal purpose of the cadastral survey system as described in the Cadastral Survey Act 2002?

  1. To determine market valuations for rating purposes
  2. To allocate water permits among competing users
  3. To provide an accurate and authoritative record of the extent of land for land transfer and resource management purposes Correct answer.
  4. To record the location of utilities beneath the ground

Explanation

The Act establishes the cadastral survey system to provide an accurate, authoritative and comprehensive record of the spatial extent of land, supporting land transfer and resource management. It does not deal with utility recording, valuation or water allocation.

Question 3Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A licensed cadastral surveyor completes a survey and prepares a plan for deposit. Which document primarily sets out the technical requirements the plan must meet?

  1. The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
  2. The Rules for Cadastral Survey Correct answer.
  3. The Building Act 2004
  4. The Resource Management Act 1991

Explanation

The Rules for Cadastral Survey, issued under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002, contain the technical standards for cadastral surveys and cadastral survey datasets. The other statutes address resource consenting, building work and official information respectively.

Question 4Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Under the Land Transfer Act 2017, what does the register record in relation to land?

  1. Only the physical boundaries as marked on the ground
  2. The title, interests and other registered dealings affecting the land Correct answer.
  3. The assessed rateable value of the land
  4. The building consent history of the land

Explanation

The Land Transfer Act 2017 establishes a register that records title to land and the registered estates and interests affecting it. Physical boundary marks, valuations and building consents are recorded elsewhere.

Question 5Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Which enactment principally governs the preparation, notification and determination of district plans and resource consents?

  1. The Land Transfer Act 2017
  2. The Cadastral Survey Act 2002
  3. The Resource Management Act 1991 Correct answer.
  4. The Survey Act 1986

Explanation

The Resource Management Act 1991 is the principal statute for planning instruments, resource consents and environmental management. The other Acts deal with survey standards, land registration and historical survey matters.

Question 6Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor is preparing a cadastral survey dataset and needs to know the accuracy tolerances that apply to boundary marks. Where should the surveyor look?

  1. The council's rating information database
  2. The certificate of title for the parcel
  3. The Rules for Cadastral Survey Correct answer.
  4. The district plan's zoning maps

Explanation

Accuracy tolerances and mark requirements are technical standards contained in the Rules for Cadastral Survey. Zoning maps, titles and rating databases do not set survey tolerances.

Question 7Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

What is the effect of the Land Transfer Act 2017 principle of indefeasibility of title?

  1. A registered proprietor's title is protected against most unregistered claims, subject to the exceptions in the Act Correct answer.
  2. The Crown may resume land without any statutory process
  3. A registered proprietor must re-prove ownership each time land is sold
  4. Unregistered interests always prevail over registered interests

Explanation

Indefeasibility means a registered estate or interest is generally protected against adverse claims, subject to statutory exceptions such as fraud and specified overriding interests. It does not require re-proving title on each sale.

Question 8Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor discovers that an existing boundary mark is likely to be in the wrong position. What is the most appropriate first step under the cadastral survey framework?

  1. Investigate and evaluate the evidence, including the original survey records, before deciding on the correct position Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the discrepancy because the mark is old
  3. Ask the adjoining owner to agree a new boundary without any survey evidence
  4. Re-place the mark wherever convenient and note it on the plan

Explanation

Cadastral surveying requires surveyors to gather and assess evidence, including original survey records and marks, before determining boundary position. Convenience or simple agreement without evidence does not satisfy the standards.

Question 9Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Under the Resource Management Act 1991, when is a resource consent required for an activity?

  1. Whenever the local authority decides to require one at its discretion
  2. When the activity is not permitted by the district or regional plan and is not otherwise allowed Correct answer.
  3. Only when the activity involves subdivision of land
  4. Only when the activity is expressly permitted by a national environmental standard

Explanation

A resource consent is needed when an activity is not permitted by the applicable plan rules or other statutory instruments. Permitted activities do not require consent, and authorities cannot require consent at large.

Question 10Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A cadastral surveyor is asked to define a boundary that has never been surveyed and where no physical marks exist. What principle guides the survey?

  1. The boundary must be determined from the best available evidence of the original grant or plan and relevant records Correct answer.
  2. The surveyor may adopt any position that suits the landowner
  3. The boundary should follow the line of least resistance on the ground
  4. The boundary is fixed by the nearest fence regardless of the title

Explanation

Where boundaries are unmarked or uncertain, the surveyor must determine position from the best available evidence, such as original grants, plans and survey records. Convenience, fences or landowner preference are not determinative.

Question 11Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

What must a licensed cadastral surveyor do before certifying a cadastral survey dataset?

  1. Notify the local authority of the proposed boundary
  2. Ensure the survey and dataset comply with the Cadastral Survey Act and the Rules for Cadastral Survey Correct answer.
  3. Obtain written approval from every adjoining owner
  4. Lodge a caveat against the title

Explanation

Certification is a professional attestation that the survey and dataset comply with the statutory framework and the Rules for Cadastral Survey. Adjoining owner approval, caveats and council notification are not prerequisites to certification.

Question 12Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Which of the following best describes the role of the Surveyor-General under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002?

  1. To register titles and interests in land
  2. To hear and determine land valuation objections
  3. To grant resource consents for subdivisions
  4. To maintain the integrity of the cadastral survey system and exercise functions such as setting standards and auditing Correct answer.

Explanation

The Surveyor-General is responsible for the integrity of the cadastral survey system, including standard-setting, audit and related statutory functions. Valuation objections, title registration and consent decisions belong to other bodies.

Question 13Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A subdivision plan is being prepared. Which Act principally controls whether the subdivision may proceed and the conditions that may be imposed?

  1. The Land Transfer Act 2017
  2. The Survey Act 1986
  3. The Resource Management Act 1991 Correct answer.
  4. The Cadastral Survey Act 2002

Explanation

Subdivision is controlled under the Resource Management Act 1991, which sets out consent requirements and conditions. The Cadastral Survey Act governs survey standards, and the Land Transfer Act governs registration.

Question 14Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

What is the significance of a 'limited as to parcels' title under the land transfer system?

  1. The title is limited in duration to a fixed term of years
  2. The title can only be transferred to a limited class of persons
  3. The title's boundaries have not been fully defined or verified by survey, so the State does not guarantee them Correct answer.
  4. The title is limited to a particular estate in fee simple only

Explanation

A title limited as to parcels indicates that the boundaries have not been properly defined or verified, so the guarantee of the State does not extend to the parcel boundaries. It is not a restriction on estate type, transferee or duration.

Question 15Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor is assessing whether an activity on land requires consent and finds that the district plan classifies it as a discretionary activity. What does this mean?

  1. The activity requires a resource consent and the council has discretion to grant or refuse it Correct answer.
  2. The activity is permitted without consent if it meets all standards
  3. The activity requires only building consent
  4. The activity is prohibited in all circumstances

Explanation

A discretionary activity requires a resource consent, and the consent authority exercises discretion over whether to grant it and on what conditions. Permitted activities need no consent, and prohibited activities cannot be consented.

Question 16Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the Cadastral Survey Act 2002 and the Rules for Cadastral Survey?

  1. The Rules apply only to surveys of Crown land
  2. The Rules are made under the Act and must be complied with by cadastral surveys Correct answer.
  3. The Rules override the Act where they conflict
  4. The Act is made under the Rules

Explanation

The Rules for Cadastral Survey are issued under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002 and set the standards that cadastral surveys must meet. The Act is superior, and the Rules apply generally to cadastral surveys, not only Crown land.

Question 17Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor is preparing a dataset for a boundary that was originally defined by a natural feature, a stream. The stream has since moved. What is the general legal position?

  1. The position depends on whether the stream is a non-tidal or tidal watercourse and the applicable rules on accretion and erosion Correct answer.
  2. The boundary is void and must be resurveyed from scratch
  3. The boundary automatically follows the new stream line in all cases
  4. The boundary always remains at the original surveyed line regardless of the stream

Explanation

Where a boundary follows a watercourse, the legal position depends on the type of watercourse and the doctrines of accretion, erosion and avulsion. It is not automatically fixed or automatically moved in every case.

Question 18Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Under the Land Transfer Act 2017, what is the effect of registering an instrument that creates an easement?

  1. The easement expires after five years unless renewed
  2. The easement becomes an interest in the land that binds subsequent owners once registered Correct answer.
  3. The easement has no effect until the local authority approves it
  4. The easement binds the land only if noted on the physical title document held by the owner

Explanation

Once registered, an easement becomes a registered interest that runs with the land and binds subsequent owners, subject to the Act. Physical title documents and local authority approval are not the operative requirements.

Question 19Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A cadastral surveyor is asked to survey a parcel that adjoins a road reserve. Which source is most authoritative for determining the legal width and position of the road?

  1. The council's asset management plan
  2. The survey plan and title records defining the road Correct answer.
  3. The road marking layout on the ground
  4. A recent aerial photograph

Explanation

The legal position and width of a road are established by the survey plans and title records that define it. Asset plans, photographs and road markings are not authoritative for legal boundary purposes.

Question 20Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

What does the term 'cadastral survey dataset' refer to under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002?

  1. The valuation roll for a district
  2. The list of heritage buildings in a region
  3. The register of resource consents
  4. The set of survey measurements and related information prepared for a cadastral survey Correct answer.

Explanation

A cadastral survey dataset is the collection of measurements, information and related material prepared for a cadastral survey and lodged under the Act. Valuation rolls, consent registers and heritage lists are unrelated records.

Question 21Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor finds a discrepancy between the area stated on an old deed and the area computed from the survey. Which should generally prevail for boundary purposes?

  1. The area shown on the council's rating records
  2. The surveyed boundaries and marks as determined from the best evidence Correct answer.
  3. The area stated on the deed
  4. The area estimated by the adjoining owner

Explanation

Boundaries are determined by the surveyed lines and marks supported by the best evidence, not by a stated area, which is generally descriptive. Rating records and neighbour estimates are not authoritative.

Question 22Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Which body hears appeals on certain decisions made under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002 relating to cadastral survey matters?

  1. The High Court
  2. The Environment Court Correct answer.
  3. The Maori Land Court
  4. The Land Valuation Tribunal

Explanation

The Environment Court has jurisdiction over appeals on specified cadastral survey matters under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002. The Land Valuation Tribunal, High Court and Maori Land Court deal with different subject matter.

Question 23Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor is preparing a plan that will be lodged for registration. What is the significance of the Surveyor-General's audit function?

  1. It replaces the need for the surveyor to certify the dataset
  2. It determines the legal ownership of the land
  3. It sets the rateable value of the parcels
  4. It provides assurance that cadastral surveys comply with the standards and supports the integrity of the system Correct answer.

Explanation

Audit by the Surveyor-General provides assurance that cadastral surveys meet the required standards and helps maintain the integrity of the system. It does not replace surveyor certification, determine ownership or set values.

Question 24Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Under the Resource Management Act 1991, what is the effect of a national environmental standard on a district plan rule that is more lenient?

  1. The national environmental standard may override or set minimum requirements that the plan rule must meet Correct answer.
  2. The national environmental standard has no effect on plan rules
  3. The district plan rule always prevails
  4. The plan rule prevails only if approved by the Surveyor-General

Explanation

National environmental standards can set requirements that prevail over or constrain plan rules, ensuring consistent minimum standards. Plan rules do not automatically prevail, and the Surveyor-General has no role in plan approval.

Question 25Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A cadastral surveyor is asked about the status of a Maori land block boundary. Which court has jurisdiction over the partition and status of Maori land?

  1. The Land Valuation Tribunal
  2. The Environment Court
  3. The District Court
  4. The Maori Land Court Correct answer.

Explanation

The Maori Land Court has jurisdiction over Maori land, including partition and status matters. The Environment Court, District Court and Land Valuation Tribunal deal with other matters.

Question 26Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

Under the Cadastral Survey Act 2002, which person or body is responsible for setting the standards that cadastral survey datasets must comply with before they can be deposited?

  1. The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors
  2. The Registrar-General of Land
  3. Each territorial authority
  4. The Surveyor-General Correct answer.

Explanation

The Cadastral Survey Act 2002 gives the Surveyor-General the function of setting and maintaining cadastral survey standards, including the Rules for Cadastral Survey. The Registrar-General of Land administers land registration, not survey standards, and territorial authorities only apply standards through plan approval processes.

Question 27Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A surveyor is lodging a cadastral survey dataset for a subdivision. Which document must accompany the dataset to confirm that the survey has been carried out in accordance with the applicable standards?

  1. A valuation report
  2. A certificate by a licensed cadastral surveyor Correct answer.
  3. A certificate of title search
  4. A building consent

Explanation

The Cadastral Survey Act 2002 requires a licensed cadastral surveyor to certify that a cadastral survey dataset has been prepared in accordance with the Act and the Rules for Cadastral Survey. Title searches, valuations and building consents are unrelated to the survey certification process.

Question 28Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A landowner applies for a subdivision consent and the district plan classifies the land as Rural. The activity is listed as a controlled activity. What is the local authority's decision-making power?

  1. It may grant or refuse consent but cannot impose conditions
  2. It may refuse consent on any ground it considers relevant
  3. It must decline consent unless the activity is permitted
  4. It must grant consent but may impose conditions Correct answer.

Explanation

Under the Resource Management Act 1991, a controlled activity must be granted consent, but the consent authority may impose conditions on matters over which it has reserved control in the plan. It cannot refuse consent outright, and it cannot decline on grounds outside the reserved matters.

Question 29Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A purchaser buys a parcel and later discovers that the boundary fence does not match the surveyed boundary shown on the deposited plan. Which principle of the land transfer system is most relevant to determining the purchaser's legal position?

  1. The principle that the register is conclusive evidence of title Correct answer.
  2. The principle that adverse possession extinguishes all titles
  3. The principle that unregistered interests always prevail over registered ones
  4. The principle that cadastral survey marks are always conclusive of ownership

Explanation

Under the Land Transfer Act 2017, the register is conclusive evidence that the registered proprietor holds the estate or interest recorded, subject to the Act's exceptions. Survey marks define the physical boundary but do not themselves confer or defeat ownership, and unregistered interests generally do not prevail over registered ones.

Question 30Cadastral surveying law and statutory framework (Cadastral Survey Act, Survey Act, Resource Management Act, Land Transfer Act)

A licensed cadastral surveyor is engaged to survey a parcel that was created by a Crown grant in 1875. The original grant refers to a natural feature that has since moved. Which approach best reflects the statutory framework for determining the boundary?

  1. Ignore the grant and survey the parcel by measuring from the nearest trig station
  2. Investigate the original grant and survey evidence to establish the boundary as originally defined, then assess the effect of the feature's movement Correct answer.
  3. Rely solely on the area stated in the certificate of title
  4. Adopt the current position of the natural feature as the boundary without further inquiry

Explanation

Cadastral surveying requires the surveyor to investigate the original definition of the boundary, including the Crown grant and any survey evidence, and to assess how subsequent changes such as water movement affect the boundary under the applicable rules. Simply adopting the current feature position or the stated area without inquiry does not satisfy that duty.

Question 31Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

Under the cadastral survey rules, which document is the authoritative record of a cadastral survey that is lodged with the Surveyor-General?

  1. The Cadastral Survey Dataset (CSD) Correct answer.
  2. The survey contract
  3. The field notebook
  4. The territorial authority's rating roll

Explanation

The Cadastral Survey Dataset is the formal package of survey data and supporting information lodged under the cadastral survey rules, and it is the authoritative record of the survey. Field notebooks and contracts are working records, while the rating roll is a valuation and revenue document.

Question 32Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

In the New Zealand cadastral survey system, what does the term 'parcel' most precisely refer to?

  1. Any fenced enclosure on a rural property
  2. A group of adjoining properties under one owner
  3. A continuous area of land defined by survey and shown in the cadastre Correct answer.
  4. A survey mark placed at a boundary corner

Explanation

A parcel is a defined area of land, such as a lot or a balance parcel, that is bounded and identified within the cadastral survey dataset and the wider cadastre. Fencing, ownership groupings and individual marks are separate concepts and do not define a parcel.

Question 33Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

Which coordinate system underpins the geodetic datum used for New Zealand cadastral surveys?

  1. World Geodetic System 1984 only, with no local realisation
  2. New Zealand Map Grid in isolation
  3. The old local meridian circuits
  4. New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000 (NZGD2000) Correct answer.

Explanation

NZGD2000 is the official geodetic datum for New Zealand, and cadastral survey coordinates are expressed on it, commonly through the New Zealand Transverse Mercator projection. WGS84 is a global system not used as the cadastral datum, and meridian circuits are historical.

Question 34Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

A cadastral surveyor is preparing a CSD for a boundary redefinition. Which class of survey does this most likely represent?

  1. An engineering set-out survey
  2. A hydrographic survey
  3. A topographic survey
  4. A redefinition survey Correct answer.

Explanation

A redefinition survey re-establishes or confirms existing boundaries, often to support a new record of title or to resolve boundary position. Topographic, hydrographic and engineering set-out surveys serve different purposes and are not cadastral redefinition surveys.

Question 35Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

What is the primary purpose of a survey mark in a cadastral survey?

  1. To mark the centreline of a road for traffic purposes
  2. To physically monument a point of cadastral significance such as a boundary corner Correct answer.
  3. To indicate the location of underground services
  4. To record the owner's contact details

Explanation

Survey marks monument points of cadastral significance, most importantly boundary corners and reference points, so that boundaries can be located and re-established. Service markers, ownership records and road centreline markings serve other functions.

Question 36Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

Which term describes the process of placing a physical mark at a boundary corner during a cadastral survey?

  1. Monumentation Correct answer.
  2. Rectification
  3. Rehabilitation
  4. Densification

Explanation

Monumentation is the physical placement of a survey mark to define a cadastral point such as a boundary corner. Rectification corrects errors, densification adds geodetic control, and rehabilitation restores marks or networks.

Question 37Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

In a cadastral survey dataset, what is the function of a 'parcel appellation'?

  1. To uniquely identify a parcel, for example as Lot 3 on a deposited plan Correct answer.
  2. To describe the soil type of the parcel
  3. To record the parcel's market valuation
  4. To specify the fencing obligations of the owner

Explanation

The appellation is the unique identifier of a parcel, such as a lot and deposited plan number or a section and survey district reference. Valuation, soil type and fencing obligations are recorded elsewhere and are not appellations.

Question 38Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

Which body administers the cadastral survey system and issues the Surveyor-General's standards in New Zealand?

  1. The local district court
  2. Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand Correct answer.
  3. The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors
  4. The territorial authority building department

Explanation

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand administers the cadastral survey system, and the Surveyor-General sets the standards and rules for cadastral surveying. Territorial authorities administer resource and building matters, the Institute is a professional body, and the courts handle legal proceedings.

Question 39Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

A surveyor must connect a new cadastral survey to the national geodetic network. What is the main purpose of this connection?

  1. To ensure the survey is on the official datum and can be integrated with surrounding cadastral data Correct answer.
  2. To establish the owner's rateable valuation
  3. To determine the market value of the parcel
  4. To satisfy the territorial authority's fencing requirements

Explanation

Connecting to geodetic control places the survey on the official datum so that it integrates accurately with adjoining and historical cadastral data. Fencing, market value and rating valuation are unrelated to geodetic connection.

Question 40Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

When a cadastral surveyor adopts an existing boundary mark, what must be established before it can be relied on in the new dataset?

  1. That the mark's origin, position and reliability are supported by evidence Correct answer.
  2. That the adjoining owner personally installed it
  3. That the mark is painted in the approved colour
  4. That the mark is visible from the nearest road

Explanation

Adoption of an existing mark requires evidence of its origin and reliability, such as an earlier survey record, so that the boundary position can be justified. Colour, visibility from a road and who installed the mark are not the tests for adoption.

Question 41Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

A CSD is being prepared where a new boundary follows an irregular natural feature. Which approach best reflects cadastral survey requirements?

  1. Approximate the boundary by scaling from an old aerial photograph
  2. Omit the boundary because natural features cannot be surveyed
  3. Set the boundary at the nearest convenient round coordinate
  4. Define the boundary by survey observations sufficient to locate it and record the relationship to the feature Correct answer.

Explanation

Where a boundary follows a natural feature, the survey must gather sufficient observations to locate the boundary and record how it relates to the feature. Scaling from imagery, omitting the boundary or rounding coordinates would not provide a defensible cadastral definition.

Question 42Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

What does a 'survey accurate' coordinate mean in the context of the New Zealand cadastre?

  1. A coordinate read from a topographic map at the largest available scale
  2. A coordinate rounded to the nearest metre for convenience
  3. A coordinate estimated by the landowner
  4. A coordinate derived from survey observations that meets the accuracy standard for its purpose Correct answer.

Explanation

A survey accurate coordinate is one derived from survey measurement and meeting the applicable accuracy standard, so it can be relied on for cadastral purposes. Map-scaled, owner-estimated or arbitrarily rounded coordinates do not meet that standard.

Question 43Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

In the cadastral survey rules, what is the role of a 'boundary point' in the digital cadastral dataset?

  1. It is the owner's signature on the survey plan
  2. It is a photograph of the boundary corner
  3. It is a note describing the boundary's legal history
  4. It is a node defining the geometry of parcel boundaries Correct answer.

Explanation

Boundary points are the nodes that carry the coordinate geometry of parcel boundaries in the digital dataset. Notes, photographs and signatures are supporting information and do not define boundary geometry.

Question 44Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

A surveyor discovers a discrepancy between the adopted boundary position and the position implied by an earlier deposited plan. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Lodge the CSD without recording the discrepancy
  2. Investigate the evidence, including earlier survey records and marks, to determine the correct boundary position Correct answer.
  3. Immediately move the boundary to match the earlier plan without further investigation
  4. Ignore the discrepancy because the earlier plan is always correct

Explanation

The surveyor should investigate the available evidence, including earlier survey records and physical marks, before deciding the boundary position. Blindly following the earlier plan, assuming it is always correct, or concealing the discrepancy would undermine the integrity of the cadastre.

Question 45Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

Which information is typically required in the survey report that accompanies a CSD?

  1. The builder's construction schedule
  2. The real estate agent's appraisal
  3. The owner's tax file number
  4. A description of the survey methods, evidence relied on and any decisions affecting boundary position Correct answer.

Explanation

The survey report documents the surveyor's methods, the evidence considered and the reasoning behind boundary decisions, providing an audit trail for the dataset. Tax, construction and appraisal information are unrelated to cadastral survey reporting.

Question 46Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

What is the purpose of a 'water boundary' definition in a cadastral survey?

  1. To record the water quality of an adjoining stream
  2. To define the legal boundary where land adjoins water, such as mean high water springs Correct answer.
  3. To set the navigation channel for boats
  4. To determine the fishing quota for the area

Explanation

A water boundary defines the legal limit of land where it adjoins water, commonly by reference to a tidal datum such as mean high water springs. Water quality, navigation and fisheries matters are separate regulatory concerns.

Question 47Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

A cadastral surveyor is deciding whether to place a new mark or adopt an existing one at a boundary corner. Which consideration is most relevant?

  1. The strength of the evidence connecting the existing mark to the original boundary definition Correct answer.
  2. The colour of the mark's paint
  3. The distance of the mark from the nearest fence
  4. The age of the mark regardless of its provenance

Explanation

The key consideration is whether the existing mark can be reliably connected to the original boundary definition through evidence. Age alone, paint colour and proximity to a fence do not establish that connection.

Question 48Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

Which statement best describes the relationship between the cadastre and the land transfer system?

  1. The cadastre provides the spatial definition of parcels that supports the registration of titles Correct answer.
  2. The cadastre records ownership while the land transfer system records boundaries
  3. The two systems are entirely independent and never interact
  4. The cadastre determines the market value of registered titles

Explanation

The cadastre supplies the spatial definition of parcels, and the land transfer system registers interests such as ownership against those parcels. Ownership is recorded in the land transfer system, not the cadastre, and the two systems are closely linked.

Question 49Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

When a CSD is lodged, which of the following best describes the Surveyor-General's role?

  1. Setting the sale price of the parcels
  2. Issuing the record of title to the owner
  3. Auditing and accepting the dataset against the cadastral survey rules Correct answer.
  4. Physically inspecting every boundary mark on the ground

Explanation

The Surveyor-General audits and accepts cadastral survey datasets against the rules, providing assurance of their integrity. Physical inspection of every mark, setting prices and issuing titles are not part of that role.

Question 50Cadastral survey standards, rules and specifications (Surveyor-General's standards, CSD requirements)

A surveyor is defining a boundary that is described in an old deed by reference to a physical feature that no longer exists. What is the most defensible approach?

  1. Place the boundary at the midpoint of the adjoining parcels
  2. Define the boundary by the current fence line without further inquiry
  3. Gather all available evidence, including historical surveys and records, to reconstruct the original boundary position Correct answer.
  4. Abandon the survey because the feature is gone

Explanation

Where a described feature no longer exists, the surveyor should assemble historical and survey evidence to reconstruct the original boundary as reliably as possible. Arbitrary midpoints, abandonment or uncritical adoption of the current fence do not meet the evidentiary standard.