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Post by Alex Liggett on Feb 28, 2018 19:19:00 GMT
Note - this thread contains hand-rolled issues of the ICS Express from December 2017 to October 2018. For the most recent back issues click here. WELCOME TO THE ICS EXPRESSWe hope you enjoy - and find some value in - this digital ICS Newsletter! The intention of the publication is to provide a monthly communication channel from the ICS Committee to the wider ICS Membership, and alert you to: • matters of cadastral importance; • the status of ICS projects; • cadastral news and events; • ICS administrative matters. Feedback is welcome, and should be directed to: sec@ics.org.nz or president@ics.org.nz If you would like to be on the mailing list for ICS Express, please email sec@ics.org.nz
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Post by Alex Liggett on Feb 28, 2018 19:35:31 GMT
December 2017
ICS PROJECTSCANTERBURY EARTHQUAKES - PROCESS FOR DEALING WITH BOUNDARY CONFLICT SURVEYSThe ICS has written to the Surveyor-General seeking clarification on the process being employed for the resolution of surveys that trigger “boundary conflict(s)” with surveys approved during the interim period in Canterbury. This request follows up the concerns from our Members as reported at our recent ICS Workshop Conference in Christchurch. It is important that we have a clear and mutual understanding of the process so that – once a conflict is identified – we can follow the preferred pathway and advise our Clients of the issues and impacts accordingly. This is critical so we can maintain our professional integrity, and assist LINZ with healing the cadastre. Click here to view the letter to the SG. The initial LINZ response – from the Deputy Chief Executive Strategy and Stewardship (LINZ), can be viewed by clicking here. Don’t be fooled into to thinking this is solely a “Christchurch Problem”, and that non-Cantabrians won’t have to worry about it. The precedents being set here will have an implication on other regions in due course… SO VERSUS LT SURVEYSThere is on-going concern relating to the use of SO datasets to redefine cadastral boundaries – particularly where those boundary dimensions redefined have changed some/all title values. In April this year, the ICS wrote to the (then) Minister of Land Information as well as the LINZ CEO detailing our concerns. Click here to view the letter. This issue is (hopefully) being debated within the proposed Rules Review, but we will keep you informed on developments. NEWSCOVENANTS RAMP UP HOUSE PRICES (STUFF 11-NOV-2017)www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/97920634/covenants-ramp-up-house-pricesLand development rules – formally defined by land covenants – set out what a landowner can and can’t do on their sections. They are devised by developers or between neighbours, and are registered on the title. Their intention is to maintain a high standard of the built environment or the landscaping in new subdivisions, but many have become headaches for people wanting to build or further develop their property. There are also issues relating to enforceability once the developer has moved on. What do you - as land professionals - think about Restrictive Land Covenants? ICS ADMINISTRATIONSTRATEGIC PLANNINGAt the 2017 AGM, those Members present endorsed the final draft of the “ICS Strategic Plan” – a vision of a successful ICS in 2025. The plan now available to the wider membership for consideration. As a “living document”, there is capacity for on-going comment and development. Members are encouraged to be brave, frank and forthright in their feedback. Please contact the Secretary (Brent George – sec@ics.org.nz or 03 686 9400) if you would like to obtain a copy of “version 1” of the ICS Strategic Plan. The document is considered confidential to ICS Members, and should therefore be treated as a personal document for ICS Members only. POST NOMINALSRemember that as ICS Members, you are entitled to add the post-nominals “MICS” after your name on business letters, reports or business cards etc as recognition of your professional affiliation with the Institute of Cadastral Surveying (Inc). 2017-18 SUBSCRIPTIONSA number of members have not yet paid their 2017-18 subscription. If you know you haven’t paid, please do so as soon as possible. COMING EVENTS• 23 December 2017: Christmas/New Year Holidays – Enjoy the break! • January-June 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation • July 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation • 25 August 2018: ICS AGM and Workshops – New Plymouth Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Feb 28, 2018 19:42:10 GMT
January 2018ICS PROJECTSASATS UPDATEThe ICS “ASaTS” Committee (Pat Sole, Alex Liggett and Brent George) met Nick Stillwell via Skype conference early December. Nick is the NZIS Lead Consulting Surveyor representative within the project, and his role includes engaging with consulting surveyors across NZ to understand their views about how we should interface with ASaTS and advocating for those views within the design of ASaTS. Nick has a background in complex legalisation surveys and work for the Office of Treaty Settlements, so he is well-versed in the ‘edge-cases’ where Landonline doesn’t always perform particularly well, and will no doubt be keen to focus the developers’ attention on these areas. Although Nick is employed by the NZIS and works within the LINZ ASaTS Project Team, he assures us that his contribution is about independent advocacy for the cadastral surveying fraternity. It is vitally important that we take opportunities to contribute our ideas, comments, criticisms, and real-world views during this development. Feedback is requested at any stage – please send these to the ICS Secretary ( sec@ics.org.nz), and/or to Nick directly ( nstillwell@linz.govt.nz). In other news it appears that the System as a Service model of delivery, in which the developer retains ownership of the system with LINZ retaining only ownership of the data may be walked back somewhat. At least one jurisdiction in Australia is looking to upgrade to a similar second generation digital cadastral system, and it is hoped that some degree of commonality between the systems can be achieved. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. NEWS“WHAT WE DO” - LINZ BRIEFING DOCUMENT TO MINISTER SAGEClick here to view the briefing document prepared by LINZ and provided to the new Minister for Land Information – Hon Eugenie Sage. RULES FOR CADASTRAL SURVEY REVIEW (LINZ)LINZ has published a high-level breakdown of the feedback received as part of the initial stage of the Rules Review. The top 2 items were “reinstatement CSD’s” and “rules formatting”. Enough said perhaps! The remaining 18 feedback topics can be viewed by clicking here. ICS ADMINISTRATIONCOMPLAINTSInterestingly, the Secretary has received two requests for information about the ICS complaint process since the last ICS Express. Both complaints relate to inadequate communication by the Surveyor with the landowner, resulting in misunderstandings and frustration. It is therefore timely to remind members that you should ethically maintain regular and clear communication with your Client, and resolve any issues in a prompt and professional manner. Of supplementary interest, is the following link to the Government “Consumer Protection” website which clearly identifies the processes that a complainant could follow in order to make a complaint about a Surveyor. www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/report-or-resolve-a-problem/building-and-housing/surveyors/2018 AGM AND WORKSHOPIn a break with tradition, the 2018 ICS AGM and Workshop will be held in New Plymouth (the ‘Naki) this year. Preliminary planning is well under way – the venue is likely to be The Devon Hotel, so mark your calendar for the event on the 25-August, and watch this space for further information…. POST NOMINALSRemember that as ICS Members, you are entitled to add the post-nominals “MICS” after your name on business letters, reports or business cards etc as recognition of your professional affiliation with the Institute of Cadastral Surveying (Inc). COMING EVENTS• January-June 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation • tbc 2018 Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill (Third Reading) • tbc 2018 Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) • July 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation • 25 August 2018: ICS AGM and Workshops – New Plymouth Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Feb 28, 2018 19:56:16 GMT
February 2018ICS PROJECTSREVIEW OF SURVEY FEESThe ICS has entered into correspondence with LINZ regarding a Review of Survey Fees. Initial replies have been less than promising. At this stage LINZ seem to be signaling that: • The current over-recovery of fees will continue • No fees review is likely until the final decisions on ASaTS are named (circa 2021!!) • “Public consultation” – including seeking a contribution from the ICS will happen before a review If you consider that a fees review is overdue or at least should happen prior to 2021, then let your ICS Committee know your views and opinions. All we can say at the moment is to “watch this space…” NEWSRESTRICTIVE LAND COVENANTSwww.stuff.co.nz/business/property/100967443/little-hope-for-builder-as-readymade-homes-ruled-out-by-subdivision-covenantsThis item, which was posted in the ICS Forum (“Field Notes”) recently ( click here) describes another negative and potentially unforeseen impact of an ill-conceived restrictive land covenant - this time relating to the size of a new dwelling emplaced on the parcel being created. Reading through the comments, and looking at the images, it would appear that the over-whelming public opinion is that the "rule" has overtaken "reality". That is, this type of attractive smaller house design may well be a better asset in a new subdivision compared with many alternative 'cheap and nasty boxes' that would comply. NOTICE REGARDING LINZ CHARGES FOR PLAN IMAGESA member has noticed that they have been over-charged for plan images extracted via LandonLine (Request Product List). The issue relates to the instances where both Survey and Title sheets are ordered at the same time (or on the same day). It has been a longstanding LINZ policy that when ordering both sheets, a one-off fee of $5 is charged. A duplicated fee process within the LoL system stripped the charges. Since the middle of last year this seems to have been changed, and separate $5 fees had been charged since that time. LINZ have recently acknowledged the error and have initiated a fix. Members who extract plans via LandonLine should check their fees reports and if over-charged, should seek a refund from LINZ ( customersupport@linz.govt.nz). RULES FOR CADASTRAL SURVEY REVIEW – REFERENCE GROUPYou should have received an email from the Secretary outlining ICS engagement with LINZ over the review of the Rules for Cadastral Survey, the outcome of which is that the ICS will not be formally involved in the Reference Group. The ICS would support any member’s involvement to the extent that we would encourage your participation and offer professional advice as required. However you may wish to note the ICS Executive Committee’s concerns regarding (non)payment for the considerable time involved; the confidentiality requirements; and the independence of your contributions. If you are interested in being involved in the Rules Review process under the LINZ terms, then note that expressions of interest close on 16-Feb-2018. If you have not received the Secretary’s email on the subject please contact sec@ics.org.nz . ICS ADMINISTRATIONFIELD NOTES FORUMOn the subject of the “Field Notes” forum, make sure you check out the site (http://icsnz.proboards.com/) on occasion to keep updated on member and non-member postings about survey technology; media stories; and cadastral surveying matters. And don’t be timid about posting a question/story/issue yourself – this Forum is widely read! 2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP - UPDATEThe 2018 AGM and Workshop date has been confirmed for 25 August. It will be held at the Devon Hotel in New Plymouth – in a break with the traditional Christchurch venue. This advance notice is to alert Members to the date and location, so that early bookings for travel and accommodation can take advantage of cheaper fares and rates. The Devon Hotel ( www.devonhotel.co.nz/) has a group booking reference of 68530 which will provide a discounted room rates. So, check out flight options and book your accommodation in order to enjoy some ‘Naki hospitality for a weekend. Arrive on Friday afternoon (or earlier) and check out the City and environs. (see www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attractions-g255112-Activities-New_Plymouth_Taranaki_Region_North_Island.html) A formal invitation and alert for the 2018 AGM/Workshop will be provided to members in due course. 2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP – TOPICS AND SPEAKERSThe 2018 workshops will generally follow the previous years’ formats. However, there is room for the introduction of new ideas. Any “expressions of interest” for topics and/or speakers will be gratefully received and considered. Please contact sec@ics.org.nz to offer your contribution! COMING EVENTS• January-June 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation • tbc 2018: Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill (Third Reading) • tbc 2018: Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) • July 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation • 25 August 2018: ICS AGM and Workshops – New Plymouth Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Mar 11, 2018 20:38:45 GMT
March 2018NEWSLANDONLINEThe on-going issues for users of LandonLine relating to the “lag” and/or “drop-outs” and/or “disconnections” continue. Despite the temptation to take the easy (but immensely frustrating!) option of putting up with it, we encourage members to log a call with LandonLine Customer Support (0800 665 463) so that the problem is noted. LINZ need to get a real sense of the extent of the issue, as at the moment (anecdotally) only a very small percentage of their customers are reporting issues. Few calls means less resources are applied to the problem. Don’t be fobbed off with the blame being foisted upon your ISP. We are aware of several companies on fibre broadband running the latest versions of everything still have disconnections. THE IMPORTANCE OF ROADING DESIGNDespite the incorrect pluralisation of "cul-de-sac" in this article from Stuff (Marlborough Express) - 27 Feb 2018 - the point is an interesting one. www.stuff.co.nz/national/101703537/road-to-nowhere-one-road-in-15-culdesacsThe future-proofing of an urban layout is not a new concept - the challenge is how does a urban designer (some surveyors have these roles when plotting the road layout in a new subdivision) ensure that the needs of a community will be covered into the long term future? In this case, the development along Budge Street appears to have started in the late 1960s as pockets of subdivision blocks sprouted off the central road axis. The area is bounded by the Opawa River which circles the Riversdale block. That hydro feature, the name of the suburb and the potential connector road beyond Budge Street ("Swamp Road") indicates the obvious site impediments. However, with current emergency management principles being applied to all things including urban design, I am sure the Blenheim Planners; Surveyors; and Engineers could come up with an effective solution. I wonder how many other similar islands of culs-de-sac there are around the country… RULES FOR CADASTRAL SURVEY REVIEW – REFERENCE GROUPWe understand that the members of the “Reference Group” tasked with providing expert guidance, feedback, and consultancy to the LINZ project reviewing the Rules for Cadastral Survey have been appointed. We look forward to the official announcement in due course. The ICS encourages all members to offer their feedback throughout the review process, and encourage you to lobby the Reference Group contact (as well as Nick Stillwell as the ASaTS representative) on matters that are important to YOU and relevant to both LINZ projects. ICS ADMINISTRATIONLINKEDINThere is now an ICS LinkedIn Group, so that you can include your Membership on your LinkedIn profile. This helps to raise the profile of the Institute, and adds to your credentials as a cadastral professional. If you are already a LinkedIn member, click here to join the group. 2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP - UPDATEThe 2018 AGM and Workshop date has been confirmed for 25 August. It will be held at the Devon Hotel in New Plymouth – in a break with the traditional Christchurch venue. This advance notice is to alert Members to the date and location, so that early bookings for travel and accommodation can take advantage of cheaper fares and rates. The Devon Hotel ( www.devonhotel.co.nz/) has a group booking reference of 68530 which will provide a discounted room rates. The ICS Committee are looking forward to the ‘Naki experience, and the new venue/location. A formal invitation and alert for the 2018 AGM/Workshop will be provided to members in due course. 2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP – TOPICS AND SPEAKERSThe 2018 workshops will generally follow the previous years’ formats. However, there is room for the introduction of new ideas. Any “expressions of interest” for topics and/or speakers will be gratefully received and considered. Please contact sec@ics.org.nz to offer your contribution! MEMBERSHIPEvery and any organisation relies on its membership or participants to survive and grow. The ICS is no different. One of our 2025 Strategic Plan Tasks is to grow our membership. One way that this can be assisted is for YOUR word-of-mouth and promotion of the ICS to your immediate colleagues and wider surveying contacts. We invite you to have a chat with these contacts when next you are in your tea-room or meeting with them socially or professionally. Promote the ICS as a group that focus’s its energies on cadastral surveying matters; that can truly advocate on their behalf on matters of cadastral importance; and can provide prompt advice and information as a recognised professional body for Cadastral Surveyors. Point them to our website ( www.ics.org.nz/ ) for information as to our purpose, constitution, and of course – membership application! ( www.ics.org.nz/Contact_Join.html ) COMING EVENTS• January-June 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation • 5 March 2018: Submissions closing – Trust Bill – at Select Committee • tbc 2018: Submissions closing - Conservation (Infringement System) Bill – at Select Committee • July 2018: Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) • 17-19 May 2018: NZIS Conference – Nelson • July 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation • 25 August 2018: ICS AGM and Workshops – New Plymouth Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on May 1, 2018 21:13:07 GMT
April 2018NEWSDICK BRITTAN – HONORARY MEMBEROn 14 March, a small group of the ICS Members gathered to present an Honorary Membership Certificate to Mr Richard (Dick) Brittan. Dick was a founding member of the ICS; was the founding President of the ICS; and is a founding funding member too. As the ICS’s first Honorary Member - and as a Surveyor with 65 years of practising on the clock - he is a worthy recipient. Dick was humble in his acceptance of the certificate – the location (Table at Monks) and members present, perfectly suited the occasion. The citation on the certificate reads: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT Dick Brittan HAS RENDERED EXTRAORDINARY SERVICES TO THE INSTITUTE AND HAS BEEN NOMINATED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BEEN UNAMINOUSLY ELECTED TO BE ADMITTED AS AN Honorary Member of the Institute of Cadastral Surveying (Inc) L-R: Bruce Speirs, Dick Brittan, Brent George (Secretary), Alex Liggett (Treasurer).LANDONLINE: RELEASE 3.17
LINZ advise that Landonline Release 3.17 is on track to go live on Monday 16th April. High-level updates were listed in the recent Landwrap: ( www.linz.govt.nz/news/2018-03/landwrap-march-2018) Detailed release notes are currently being prepared and will be made available when complete. Please note that the release will require an outage on Saturday 14th April, and all Landonline users will receive notice of that outage late next week. NGAI TAHU CULTURAL MAPPING PROJECTSouth Island Members should be aware of this valuable source of (now) digital survey records:- Historic South Island Survey MapsIf you know what "Black Maps" and "Roll Plans" are - and need to research and reference them on occasion - then you will know that this link will be a useful resource. Many plans are already available on-line, and the scanning is due for completion over the next few years. The documents are being imaged as part of a project which began in the mid-2000’s by Ka Huru Manu (Ngai Tahu Cultural Mapping project), with the partners being Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Archives NZ, ECan, and LINZ. BILL ROBERTSON – DISTINGUISHED ALUMNIListen to the interview broadcast on 9-March-2018 on Radio NZ National following the award of a 2018 Auckland University Distinguished Alumni Award to Bill Robertson: RNZ National 9-Mar-2018 and the citation from University of Auckland - 2018 Distinguished Alumni which reads: William (Bill) Robertson ONZM, DipTownPlan 1969, MPP Well. 1980, Hon DSurv Melb.1999.
Bill Robertson is a world-renowned figure in surveying and mapping. He was Director General/Surveyor General of the NZ Government Department of Survey and Land Information from 1987 until 1996 and a Director of Military Survey & Mapping for the NZ Army. He was President of the New Zealand Planning Institute and served two terms as President of the Commonwealth Institute of Planners. LANDONLINE: LAG ISSUEApologies for this ‘re-post’ of an item from last month – BUT it is still a problem and one that seems to be growing. Therefore, the sooner our collective User Voices are acknowledged, the sooner the problem will be escalated to the appropriate levels and be addressed – hopefully. Also make sure you have implemented the Citrix update described in this forum post. The on-going issues for users of Landonline relating to the “lag” and/or “drop-outs” and/or “disconnections” continue. Despite the temptation to take the easy (but immensely frustrating!) option of putting up with it, we encourage members to log a call with Landonline Customer Support (0800 665 463) so that the problem is noted. LINZ need to get a real sense of the extent of the issue, as at the moment (anecdotally) only a very small percentage of their customers are reporting issues. Few calls means less resources are applied to the problem. Don’t be fobbed off with the blame being foisted upon your ISP. We are aware of several companies on fibre broadband running the latest versions of everything still experiencing disconnections. ICS ADMINISTRATIONFIELD NOTES FORUMThe on-line ICS Forum – “Field Notes” now incorporates back issues of the “ICS Express”. The previous publications are housed within the “News” section - click here to check it out. Keep updated on member and non-member postings about survey technology; media stories; and cadastral surveying matters. And don’t be timid about posting a question/story/issue yourself – this Forum is more widely read than you would think! ICS ADMINISTRATION: MEMBERSHIPA note to Members that an invoice for the 2018-19 ICS Membership Year (Apr-18-Mar-19) will be sent out shortly. It was noted that last year there were a few Members that didn’t get around to paying their dues – and we have been lenient (and tardy) on the reminders. This year, we intend to follow up non-payments promptly with a gentle reminder, before removing those individuals from the mailing lists of information and cadastral support. You will appreciate that our organisation relies upon the income from membership fees to advocate for you on a myriad of cadastral matters and issues. 2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP - NEW PLYMOUTHThe 2018 AGM and Workshop will be in New Plymouth on 25 August at the Devon Hotel. Another reminder to commit early to this year’s AGM and Workshop. Note that the first Ranfurly Shield Challenge is scheduled for Friday 24-August, so there may be a squeeze on accommodation that night (the Secretary will be backing the ‘Turbos so there should be some good banter going). The Devon Hotel ( www.devonhotel.co.nz) group booking discount reference is 68530 – if this is not recognised during on-line booked give the friendly front desk staff a call on 0800 843 338. A formal invitation for the 2018 AGM/Workshop will follow in a couple of weeks. 2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP – CADASTRAL ISSUES SECTIONFollowing on from last year’s successful “cadastral problems and issues” session, we will end the 2018 Workshop day with another interactive talkfest. If you have any cadastral questions; queries; problems; issues or cunning professional short-cuts; innovative work-arounds etc – now is the time to ask or share. Let the session coordinator know (Brent at sec@ics.org.nz) the gist of your topic; the time you think is required to present it and the time required for comments, questions and analysis. If you can’t present in person, just document the topic and Brent will present it on your behalf. COMING EVENTS• January-June 2018 Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation • 6 April 2018 Submissions closing - Conservation (Infringement System) Bill – at Select Committee • 27 April 2018 Submissions close – Title Fees Review (LINZ) • tbc 2018 Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) • 17-19 May 2018 NZIS Conference - Nelson • July 2018 Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation • 24 August 2018 Taranaki Bulls vs Manawatu Turbo’s (Yarrow Stadium – New Plymouth) • 25 August 2018 ICS AGM and Workshops – New Plymouth Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Jun 7, 2018 5:18:56 GMT
May 2018NEWSLINZ MEETING On 10 April the ICS President and Secretary met with LINZ Deputy Chief Executives in Wellington to refresh the ICS-LINZ relationship, introduce the new ICS Executive, and initiate discussion on various cadastral topics.
The LINZ participants were Kathy Mansell (Dep. CE Property Rights Group - includes responsibilities for LoL and ASaTS etc); and Aaron Jordon (Dep. CE Strategy & Stewardship - includes responsibilities for the OSG; RGL; Valuer General; and Business with Maori Offices). It is envisaged that subsequent meetings with LINZ at this level – and also at a technical level with the SG and RGL – will follow from time to time as required.
This direct advocacy on your behalf is aligned with our core objectives. It also presents opportunities for both parties to discuss issues of concern, and for the ICS to offer our expert cadastral experience, and demonstrate our relevance as a strong voice in the cadastral arena.
ADVOCACY PROJECTS Members are reminded that your ICS Executive Committee continue to work on advocacy projects on your behalf. These currently include, with their status in italics:
• Survey Fees – in communications with LINZ • Requisition Items – in communications with LINZ • Cadastral Rules – watching brief and consultation • Boundary Conflict Process – in communications with LINZ • ASaTS – (Advanced Survey and Title Service) – watching brief • LINZ Relationship (high-level communication) – initial developments
Your feedback on these matters are welcomed. If you have any other cadastral survey issues that you want support with – or want the ICS to escalate – then please contact a Committee Member or the Secretary - sec@ics.org.nz REVIEW OF THE RULES FOR CADASTRAL SURVEY The LINZ review of the Rules for Cadastral Survey 2010 is well underway. The LINZ summary of its status can be reviewed at this site: www.linz.govt.nz/land/surveying/rules-standards-and-guidelines/information-review-rules-for-cadastral-survey-2010 The Reference Group established to review and provide initial feedback on the proposals have been selected by LINZ. The Licensed Cadastral Surveyors are a balanced group from different firms across New Zealand. They are:
• Chris Scott (Christchurch) • Craig McInnes (Christchurch) • Jo Cushen (Wellington) • Lynda Watson (Hokitika) • Matt Ryder (Taupo) • Michael Brownie (Wellington)
The ICS will await the first release to the wider survey community of documentation relating to the new rules. We will provide detailed feedback as necessary with this next stage of full consultation. NEWSCASE LAW: THE “OMAPERE CASE” - HOJSGAARD V THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF LAND INFORMATION NEW ZEALAND [2018] NZHC 750. 20 APRIL 2018A significant High Court decision just released will be of considerable interest to cadastral surveyors. The case contains many issues of survey practice, stream boundary definition, and the role of the Crown in examining, correcting and approving plans. The decision affirms the hierarchy of evidence for surveys, and the Judge re-directs the final decision on boundary to The Chief Executive of LINZ, and to the Surveyor-General to require any subsequent correction. Whilst the final outcome will rely on decisions yet to be made by LINZ, the judgement does illustrate some confronting issues for the current Rules review – certainly in relation to the possible re-inclusion of a good survey practice rule, and the advisability of right-lining former stream boundaries. There will be more to come on this. The full judgement cam be reviewed at: www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/cases/hojsgaard-v-the-chief-executive-of-land-information-new-zealand/@@images/fileDecision?r=603.332470308LANDONLINE: LAG ISSUE
An update on this issue. No doubt you will have recently been invited to take part in a “survey monkey” quiz to ascertain the true extent of the issues regarding the LandonLine ‘lag’ and ‘drop-out’ problems. We trust that those users affected by these problems dutifully completed the on-line survey. You will also have noted the link to an on-line report template to make it easier to record the specific details of the event. We suggest you save this link www.linz.govt.nz/report-citrix-connection-issue to your favourites bar, or bookmark it somewhere for easy access, allowing for immediate ‘real-time’ reporting of lags, drop-outs and hang-ups. LINZ are giving this issue a “very high priority” in respect of finding a resolution. “ON-LINE” NEWS: BOUNDARY PROBLEM PROVIDES A CAUTIONARY TALEThe following article is acknowledged to be 8 years old. But it was on-line, and is a good story. www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/boundary-problem-provides-cautionary-tale The report is from the Otago Daily Times (ODT 7-Jan-2013), it describes an innocent attempt by a ‘good neighbour’ to do the right thing by obtaining survey clarity on the location of a boundary alignment before replacing an old fence thereon. The ‘neighbour’ in this instance is a Scenic Reserve administered by the Council. In the course of the survey, the old fence being replaced was found to be 3m inside the reserve. This may not normally have been an issue – but in this case there was also a proposed (and consented) extension to the existing house underway, and this was found to be encroaching into the reserve by 16cm, and so the issues escalated. ICS ADMINISTRATION2018 AGM AND WORKSHOP – NEW PLYMOUTHThe 2018 AGM and Workshop will be in New Plymouth on 25 August at the Devon Hotel. We are still finalising the Speakers. Once they are confirmed a formal invitation for the 2018 AGM/Workshop will follow. The current programme includes: • LINZ Speakers on the Proposed Rules, LandonLine and ASaTS • Limited Titles – Issues and Strategies • Energy Sector – Cadastral and Technology Impacts • Survey Audits • Cadastral Examples and Issue – Interactive Session MEMBERSHIP DRIVE The Membership drive is progressing well. There has been a noted increase in requests for membership information and positive signs for impending applications! To wit – the ICS welcomes the following colleagues as new members: - Scott Williams (Christchurch)
- Noel Armstrong (Auckland)
Current Members are encouraged to invite any colleagues, work associates, employees who are non-licensed surveyors to also join. There are associate and student membership categories available. WORKSHOP – CADASTRAL ISSUES SESSIONFollowing on from last year’s successful “cadastral problems and issues” session, we will end the 2018 Workshop day with another interactive talkfest. If you have any cadastral questions; queries; problems; issues or cunning professional short-cuts; innovative work-arounds etc – now is the time to ask or share. There is still room for some more “cadastral issues” to round out the allocated time. Don’t be shy to send one in. If you can’t present in person, just document the topic and Brent will present it on your behalf. We will document the answer (or consensus opinion) and get that back to you - and other non-attending Members - as a report. Let the session coordinator know (Brent at sec@ics.org.nz) the gist of your topic; the time you think is required to present it and the time required for comments, questions and analysis. COMING EVENTS• January-June 2018 | Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation | • tbc 2018 | Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) | • 17-19 May 2018 | NZIS Conference - Nelson | • July 2018 | Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation | • 29-31 July 2018 | 12d International Conference - Brisbane | • 24 August 2018 | Taranaki Bulls vs Manawatu Turbo’s (Yarrow Stadium – New Plymouth) | • 25 August 2018 | ICS AGM and Workshops – New Plymouth | • 5-7 November 2018 | Trimble Dimensions (International User Conference) – Las Vegas |
THE LAST WORD
Hoare’s Law of Large Problems: “Inside every large problem is a small problem struggling to get out.” Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Jul 17, 2018 20:35:08 GMT
June 2018ICS IN ACTIONADVOCACY PROJECTS Members are reminded that your ICS Executive Committee continue to work on advocacy projects on your behalf. These currently include, in no particular order:
• Survey Fees – in communications with LINZ • Requisition Items – in communications with LINZ • Cadastral Survey Rules – watching brief and consultation • Boundary Conflict Process – in communications with LINZ • ASaTS – (Advanced Survey and Title Service) – watching brief • LINZ Relationship (high-level communication) – progressing • Good Survey Practice – initial project development
Your feedback on these matters are welcomed. If you have any other cadastral survey issues that you want support with – or want the ICS to escalate – then please contact a Committee Member or the Secretary - sec@ics.org.nz
REVIEW OF THE RULES FOR CADASTRAL SURVEY The ICS are awaiting the initial release of information from LINZ (Office of the Surveyor-General) regarding the new Rules for Cadastral Survey. We understand that the Reference Group are currently testing proposals that after subsequent development will be tested on the wider survey community. As an independent and committed party to the Rules, the ICS will provide full and frank responses during the first opportunity for consultation.
It is noted that the OSG will be providing some briefing notes on the current status (in general terms) that will be presented on their behalf at the August 2018 ICS Technical Workshop. It is anticipated that any discussion and feedback will be freely provided back to LINZ OSG – with an aim to ensure robust and workable Rules are developed. Of course, such feedback would be in addition to formal consultative submissions. NEWSLANDONLINE: LAG ISSUE, LOGIN ISSUE, SIGNING ISSUELINZ are very aware of these issues and are actively working on their resolution (or workarounds) • Lag Issue: Anecdotally, the lag issue appears to be tailing off. However, if you are still experiencing freezes, drop-outs, or hang-ups, please report the details on the ‘on-line’ report form: www.linz.govt.nz/report-citrix-connection-issue • Login Issue: A workaround has been implemented. You will have noticed a change to the login box where your user name is now listed, and you are prompted for your password. • Signing Issue: Some Surveyors are having issues when signing datasets. Follow the process in the link below if you are having certifying issues. Updates on these issues are posted on the LINZ website ( www.linz.govt.nz/news/2017-04/landonline-issues) ASATS UPDATE
The following update on progress with the ASaTS project which will replace LandonLine has been provided by James Mowat - Engagement Director, ASaTS Project, Property Rights Group, LINZ: “Modernising the survey and title platform and associated services continues to be a priority for LINZ. In 2018, ASaTS remains under active consideration by Ministers, and is continuing to progress through government approvals. The ASaTS team are focused on the business case to be submitted to Ministers this year. Funding decisions and a clear direction on what will be delivered through ASaTS will be made by Government following our submission.
In terms of the specific progress the project has made, the definition phase is now coming to a close and we have a high level design for the solution. There have been some significant changes during the definition phase, including a decision to move away from the as-a-Service delivery model for ASaTS. This was a key piece of work that saw LINZ leading the way in the public service to investigate the viability of future projects being delivered through the as-a-Service model. Under an aaS model a supplier’s system would be modified to our specific needs and LINZ would pay to use the system – similar to subscribing to a service. However, we found that the supplier and market maturity is not sufficiently advanced internationally.
The project is now working towards a more traditional capital funding model. This not only involves going to Government to request funding but also understanding the new possibilities that moving away from as-a-Service means. For example, we’re currently doing a lot of work with our preferred supplier to understand how we can achieve our customer benefits more quickly. When we have progressed to Business Case I will be happy to update you, and we are also down to speak at the conference [ICS Technical Workshop]in August later this year.”
If you have any comments, questions, concerns or queries with regard to the information above, then please direct them to the Secretary (in the first instance) so the ICS can gauge membership views on the LandonLine to ASaTS transition. “ON-LINE” NEWS: MASTERTON MAN BUYS HOUSE ONLY TO FIND OUT FIVE YEARS LATER HE DOESN'T OWN ITwww.stuff.co.nz/business/property/104256530/masterton-man-buys-house-only-to-find-out-five-years-later-he-doesnt-own-it - Stuff (30 May 2018) The following story is an example of (perhaps) some sloppy e-dealing "quality control". It was/is obviously an error - but when you look at the details, some aspects could almost excuse the error, such as: • identical appellation - Part Lot 24 DP 109 • identical area - 1668m²
• identical road name - River Road • identical land value - $39,000 • identical previous owner[/li][/ul] Whilst others are harder to explain away: • significantly different title reference - 40A/379 vs 508/278 • different physical address - #48 vs #50 This event has caused the affected parties some stress - but were there other opportunities to identify the error - and remedy it in a shorter space of time? For example: 1. When the (incorrect) re-transfer was being actioned - surely if there was a suspicion of an error then a 'double-check' was warranted - both at the legal end and at the LINZ property rights check stage; 2. During subsequent transfer and dealings - did no-one else pick up some inconsistencies with the title references? And; 3. After the error was identified in Dec-2017, why has it still not been corrected? ICS ADMINISTRATIONINTRODUCING YOUR COMMITTEE: PAT SOLE – PRESIDENT This is a new section this month where we will put faces to names, and we start with ICS President Pat Sole
My working life started in 1976 in my home town New Plymouth, as a Civil Engineering cadet for the City Council, and then the Taranaki County Council. With a very small engineering staff, it was a great introduction to engineering design and survey work for a wide range of projects whilst completing a NZCE(Civil) at night school. After belatedly going through survey school (having worked variously for short periods on land seismic surveys, cadastral definition, control survey and as a field assistant in the Antarctic) I married Cheryl and worked for Hugh Gilberd’s firm in Hawera doing mainly rural cadastral work. I registered in 1986 and at that time was working as a Staff Surveyor for Lands and Survey in New Plymouth. I had some great opportunities with Lands and Survey/DOSLI/LINZ with carving up the Conservation/Landcorp estate, control surveys, in Antarctica and working on the Iraq/Kuwait boundary, through the 80’s and 90’s. But most of my work was in the broad cadastral area where I particularly enjoy following in the footsteps of early surveyors. From 1995 to 2002 (when the LINZ New Plymouth office closed) I was Chief Surveyor for Taranaki, doing all plan approvals and statutory functions as well as audits. This was a steep learning curve, but I learnt lots and enjoyed regular CS meetings discussing difficult definitions/rules etc. Since 2002, Pat Sole Surveyors has kept me more than busy, specializing almost entirely on cadastral matters. In that time, I have undertaken large surveys for a number of Treaty Settlements, South Island Tenure Reviews, and the Maori Land Court Registration Project. I have had some involvement recently with Court work. Outside of work, Cheryl and I have three grownup children whose activities we engage with, and we both have a love of the mountains where we have spent many years locally, around NZ and more recently travelling overseas. I do a bit of biking and have been painting the house for the last 5 years in my spare time. 2018 AGM AND TECHNICAL WORKSHOP – NEW PLYMOUTH
Preparations for the 2018 AGM and Technical Workshop in New Plymouth on 25 August at the Devon Hotel are progressing. Speakers have been finalised, and the programme and formal invitation for the 2018 has been emailed to all Members. A trickle of respondents have already registered – but we would like to see more of you there (of course!). So, look at your diaries, check your travel options, and complete a registration form ( download one here)to register your attendance intention. Those of you who have already registered (thank you!), please consider inviting any colleagues and non-members that you think would be available, and would benefit from their exposure to the ICS. Registration fee for non-Members is $160+GST – cheap as chips! The current programme includes: • LINZ Speakers on LandonLine and ASaTS • Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board • Limited Titles – Issues and Strategies • Energy Sector – Cadastral and Technology Impacts • Survey Audits • Cadastral Examples and Issues – Interactive Session • Social Events – Rugby (Friday night); Dinner (Saturday night) WORKSHOP – CADASTRAL ISSUES SESSIONFollowing on from last year’s successful “cadastral problems and issues” session, we will end the 2018 Workshop day with another interactive talkfest. If you have any cadastral questions; queries; problems; issues or cunning professional short-cuts; innovative work-arounds etc – now is the time to ask or share. There is still room for some more “cadastral issues” to round out the allocated time. Don’t be shy to send one in. If you can’t present in person, just document the topic and Brent will present it on your behalf. We will document the answer (or consensus opinion) and get that back to you - and other non-attending Members - as a report. Let the session coordinator Brent George know ( sec@ics.org.nz) the gist of your topic; the time you think is required to present it and the time required for comments, questions and analysis. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
The Membership drive is progressing well. There has been a noted increase in requests for membership information and positive signs for impending applications! To wit – the ICS welcomes the following colleague as a new member: • P2 Member (Christchurch) Current members are still encouraged to invite any colleagues, work associates, employees who are non-licensed surveyors to also join. There are associate and student membership categories available. Refer to this page for an application form and the ICS constitution. There are a few members who have yet to pay their annual membership subscription. Please ensure you have settled your account asap and before 30-June COMING EVENTSJanuary-June 2018 | Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation | tbc 2018 | Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) | July 2018 | Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation | 29-31 July 2018 | 12d International Conference - Brisbane | 24 August 2018 | Taranaki Bulls vs Manawatu Turbo’s (Yarrow Stadium – New Plymouth) | 25 August 2018 | ICS AGM and Workshop – New Plymouth | 5-7 November 2018 | Trimble Dimensions (International User Conference) – Las Vegas |
THE LAST WORD “Diplomacy is the art of letting other people have your way” - David Frost Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Aug 10, 2018 0:14:59 GMT
July 2018ICS IN ACTIONADVOCACY PROJECTS Members are reminded that your ICS Executive Committee continue to work on advocacy projects on your behalf. We have recently reviewed these projects with a view to re-scoping the sub-tasks and prioritising them where possible. The projects currently include the following, with their brief status in italics:
· Good Survey Practice – commenced; first draft circulated for comment · Survey Fees – early stages, in communications with LINZ · Requisition Items – in communications with LINZ · Cadastral Survey Rules – watching brief and awaiting consultation opportunity · Boundary Conflict Process – in communications with LINZ · ASaTS – (Advanced Survey and Title Service) – watching brief · LINZ Relationship (high-level communication) – progressing; next meeting scheduled for 4th quarter 2018
Your feedback on these matters are welcomed. If you have any other cadastral survey issues that you want support with – or want the ICS to escalate – then please contact a Committee Member or the Secretary - sec@ics.org.nz GOOD SURVEY PRACTICE One of the more recently initiated ICS projects is a task that attempts to define and describe what the catch-all Good Survey Practice (GSP) - really means.
The 1972 (Reg 5) and 1998 (Reg 9) respectively describes Good Survey Practice as:
- “To the extent that no express provision is made by these regulations, every surveyor shall comply with accepted good survey practice”; and
- “A survey must be undertaken in accordance with accepted good survey practice in relation to any matter for which these regulations do not expressly provide”
Although perhaps a ‘woolly description’ in today’s terms – most honest surveyors knew what it meant then, and could read between the lines and follow the intent of the regulation.
Recently, we wonder if GSP has become a victim of the commercial pressures such as:
- saving costs
- saving time
- manipulating data to fit Landonline
- insufficient early mentoring/training
We therefore encourage every ICS Member who have a passion about maintaining the integrity of the NZ cadastral system to consider contributing their thoughts, experience and wisdom to this project. Without the adopted acceptance of any other document describing GSP, perhaps the ICS version – when finalised – could become the accepted authority on the subject.
The draft document can be downloaded here. Ways to encapsulate GSP might be:
• "On presentation of the same data to a group of Licensed Cadastral Surveyors, most would come up with the same (or very nearly the same) position for a boundary."
• "Attributing the correct weight to all the matters in the hierarchy of evidence.”
Let us know what you think – sec@ics.org.nz NEWSLANDONLINE ISSUESLINZ had identified an issue with the Citrix connection in May – a data bottleneck - and this appears to have recently resolved the ‘drop-out’ problem. The reporting system used to log these issues has been a successful by-product of the Landonline performance problems. LINZ are looking at maintaining this form ( www.linz.govt.nz/report-citrix-connection-issue) so that easier flagging of problems can be lodged (as an alternative to email and phone reporting). We suggest you save the link as a shortcut on your browser! Updates on these issues are posted on the LINZ website ( www.linz.govt.nz/news/2017-04/landonline-issues) ASATS UPDATE
Representatives from the ASaTS Project (James Mowat – Engagement Director) and Nick Stillwell (ASaTS Lead Consultant Surveyor) will be presenting at this year’s ICS Workshop. They will be providing us with the latest project status and update; outline the next steps; and highlight the key issues and opportunities for ICS members. Included will be a working session to brainstorm and discuss ideas. If you are unable to make the ASaTS Workshop session, but have comments, questions, concerns or queries, then please direct them to the Secretary in the first instance (sec@ics.org.nz) so the ICS can gauge membership views on the Landonline to ASaTS process. “ON-LINE” NEWS: AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY EXCHANGE SYSTEM (PEXA)www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/105142498/a-simple-cut-and-paste-let-cyber-criminals-steal-aussie-property-sales-funds-worth-millions - Stuff (30 June 2018) A "hack" into the on-line property conveyancing system in Melbourne (Property Exchange Australia - PEXA) demonstrates the vulnerability of any on-line land transaction system - and the importance of cyber-security protection processes. Although the privately-owned company that runs the system (!) is at pains to claim that THEIR system was not hacked – saying it was the "practitioners emails that were hacked", this is cold comfort for those people who have not only (potentially) lost money in the transaction, but have/will incur penalty charges as well as lose the property that they had intended to buy. This is to say nothing of the emotional toll and legal fees. In the end it appears that PEXA have relaxed their initial abrasive stance on this matter, but the problems may not all be over yet if the legal fraternity are not wholly happy with compulsory on-line property transactions. ICS ADMINISTRATIONINTRODUCING YOUR COMMITTEE: BRENT GEORGE – SECRETARY Carrying on from last month we are continuing to put faces to names – this month the nerve centre of the Institute, Secretary Brent George.
Brief resume: Brent is a Registered Professional Surveyor and Licensed Cadastral Surveyor with over 30 years practice experience in Government (Lands & Survey, and the Department of Survey and Land Information), an SOE (Terralink NZ Ltd), and private practices (Andersen & Associates; KOA and currently Resonant). He has undertaken surveys in all regions throughout NZ, including the Kermadec Islands, Three Kings Islands, Fiordland, and also on the Chatham, Pitt and Auckland Islands, as well as in Antarctica. He has also lodged survey plans in all NZ land districts, including possibly the most eastern dataset at 175°40’W on the Forty Fours (Motuhara Island) east of the Chathams (albeit a compiled plan). The start of his career was in the Manawatu – initially building trigs and undertaking 3rd Order Control surveys (sans GPS!), large-scale forestry surveys, crown subdivisions and road legalisation work. A shift to Wellington in 1991 following a long summer in Antarctica as the NZ Antarctic Research Programme Surveyor saw Brent join the fledgling “GPS Operations Unit” of DoSLI. This provided an opportunity to travel the country undertaking GPS surveys and training staff, as the early days of GPS was being adopted by the public and private sectors. A job in Tanzania, and hydrographic survey support to the RNZ Navy to offshore islands were highlights. When Terralink was created in 1996, Brent took up a role as the Regional Survey Manager, and coordinated the contracts from major clients based in the capital. After assisting with the closing out the committed work when the Terralink Survey business was sold in 2000, Brent was seconded to the Terralink/EDS Survey Conversion project – the pre-cursor to the creation of LandonLine. Since shifting to Canterbury in 2001 and entering the private sector, Brent has had to refresh his cadastral surveying and resource management knowledge, but has still managed to use his geodetic expertise on a variety of survey projects throughout the country. This came to the fore after the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquakes, where re-surveys of the Council benchmark networks were required after each major aftershock. Brent is married to Jacqui, and has two children (now adults). Other than armchair interests in rugby and most other sports, Brent enjoys walking and biking the Port Hills tracks, watching off-beat TV drama series, and adding to a growing collection of Antarctic history books. Brent is not cynical – just experienced [Editor’s note – it is of course possible to be both]. 2018 AGM AND TECHNICAL WORKSHOP – NEW PLYMOUTH
We are counting down to the 2018 AGM and Technical Workshop in New Plymouth on 25 August at the Devon Hotel. To those of you whom have already registered - thank you! Numbers of attendees are growing – but there is room for more. Don’t forget to consider inviting any colleagues and non-members that would benefit from their exposure to the ICS. Download your registration form here to register your attendance intention. The current programme includes: • LINZ Speakers on LandonLine and ASaTS • Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board • Limited Titles – Issues and Strategies • Energy Sector – Cadastral and Technology Impacts • Survey Audits • Cadastral Examples and Issues – Interactive Session • Social Events – Rugby (Friday night); Dinner (Saturday night) WORKSHOP – CADASTRAL ISSUES SESSIONFollowing on from last year’s successful “cadastral problems and issues” session, we will end the 2018 Workshop day with another interactive talkfest. If you have any cadastral questions; queries; problems; issues or cunning professional short-cuts; innovative work-arounds etc – now is the time to ask or share. There is still room for some more “cadastral issues” to round out the allocated time. Don’t be shy to send one in. If you can’t present in person, just document the topic and Brent will present it on your behalf. We will document the answer (or consensus opinion) and get that back to you - and other non-attending Members - as a report. Let the session coordinator Brent George know ( sec@ics.org.nz) the gist of your topic; the time you think is required to present it and the time required for comments, questions and analysis. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
The Membership drive is progressing well. There has been a noted increase in requests for membership information and positive signs for impending applications! To wit – the ICS welcomes the following colleague as a new member: • P2 Member (New Plymouth) Current members are still encouraged to invite any colleagues, work associates, employees who are non-licensed surveyors to also join. There are associate and student membership categories available. Refer to this page for an application form and the ICS constitution. COMING EVENTSJanuary-June 2018 | Cadastral Rules Review – Stakeholder consultation | tbc 2018 | Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) (Third Reading) | July 2018 | Cadastral Rules Review – Draft rules consultation | 29-31 July 2018 | 12d International Conference - Brisbane | 24 August 2018 | Taranaki Bulls vs Manawatu Turbo’s (venue TBC – New Plymouth) | 25 August 2018 | ICS AGM and Workshop – New Plymouth | 5-7 November 2018 | Trimble Dimensions (International User Conference) – Las Vegas | 8-9 November 2018
| Auckland Build Expo & Conference – ASB Showgrounds
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THE LAST WORD “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid” - Benjamin Franklin Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Oct 24, 2018 8:09:16 GMT
August 2018ICS IN ACTIONADVOCACY PROJECTS Members are reminded that your ICS Executive Committee continue to work on advocacy projects on your behalf.
Recently we have noted extending delays to the plan processing /approval timeframes. These are beginning to exceed the 8-12 days stated on the LandonLine web page – something that seems to happen about this time every year. The ICS has contacted LINZ (Principal Cadastral Surveyor) to voice our concerns and identify the impacts of such delays on our Clients. We have asked to be kept informed – especially if there is a LINZ expectation that the approval times will lengthen.
The other ICS projects are progressing. A summary of their status in italics follows:
• Good Survey Practice – commenced; first draft circulated for comment; second draft underway • Survey Fees – early stages, in communications with LINZ • Requisition Items – in communications with LINZ • Cadastral Survey Rules – Stage 2 Part 1 consultation underway • Boundary Conflict Process – in communications with LINZ • ASaTS – (Advanced Survey and Title Service) – watching brief; status update at 2018 Workshop • LINZ Relationship (high-level communication) – progressing; next meeting scheduled for 4th quarter 2018
Your feedback on these matters are welcomed. If you have any other cadastral survey issues that you want support with – or want the ICS to escalate – then please contact a Committee Member or the Secretary - sec@ics.org.nz GOOD SURVEY PRACTICE The description and ‘scope’ of our “Good Survey Practice” (GSP) project was outlined in July’s ICS Express. This project is timely, as the NZIS have also identified a similar objective, and are working on producing some guidelines on this matter. In addition, we understand that the current SG Cadastral Rules Review process is also trying to identify how GSP rules can be incorporated into the overall Rules review.
Thank you to those few members who have already taken the time to respond with their views on the ICS first draft. We encourage every other ICS Member who have a passion about maintaining the integrity of the NZ cadastral system to consider contributing their thoughts, experience and wisdom to this project. Without the adopted acceptance of any other document describing GSP, perhaps the ICS version – when finalised – could become the definitive work on the subject.
The draft document can be downloaded here.
The objective is to produce a document that (at least) sets the “good survey practice” scene – and can even be adopted as a baseline guide for all practicing cadastral surveyors. NEWSLANDONLINE ISSUESThere has been no continuation of the delay or drop-out issues reported recently. Happy days! Members are reminded that the reporting system previously used to log issues was a successful by-product of the previous Landonline performance problems. LINZ are maintaining this form ( www.linz.govt.nz/report-citrix-connection-issue) so that easier flagging of problems can be lodged (as an alternative to email and phone reporting). We suggest you save the link as a shortcut on your browser. LINZ UPDATE
In late July Robbie Muir (Deputy Chief Executive Strategy and Stewardship Group) announced that the Surveyor-General, Mark Dyer, will be leaving that role effectively from the 3-August-2018. Anselm Haanen – as Deputy Survey-General will look after all S-G responsibilities until a new appointment is made. The ICS has written to Mark to wish him the well in his return to the private sector. We acknowledged that his short tenure included the need to address significant external events and cadastral challenges – the successive earthquakes and their impact on the cadastre; the variable quantity and quality of dataset submissions; the creaking Landonline performance; early ASaTS formulation; and the long-awaited Cadastral Rules Review. We have invited Mark to consider membership of the ICS should his next role involves matters related to cadastral surveying. “ON-LINE” NEWS: SOUTH ISLAND HIGH COUNTRY MATTERSThere have been a few reports in the media recently concerning issues relating to the sale of the Pastoral Leases (not the underlying freehold) for certain high-country properties – namely: Hunter Valley Station at Hawea ( www.stuff.co.nz/national/105731482/tv-star-matt-lauer-says-groups-wanting-hunter-valley-station-land-access-are-taking-advantage); and Mount White Station near Arthurs Pass ( www.stuff.co.nz/national/105893149/south-islands-40000hectare-mt-white-station-sells-to-overseas-buyer) Although there is always plenty of mis-information and over-reported factors involved in both of these sagas, at least it places the custodianship of our high-country firmly in the spotlight, and exposes the passion which some members of the public feel for these wilderness areas. On a similar track (excuse the pun), a campaign for a new National Park encompassing The Remarkables was launched last year ( www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/national-park-campaign-ice) Will this proposal gain momentum? Will the Tenure Review process really have an impact on its development? What will the National Park be used for? ICS ADMINISTRATIONINTRODUCING YOUR COMMITTEE: ALEX LIGGETT - TREASURER Carrying on from last month we are continuing to put faces to names – this month the financial controller of the Institute’s funds, Treasurer Alex Liggett.
Brief resume: Alex spent his formative years in Hawkes Bay before moving to the small North Canterbury town of Culverden, where after finishing high school he spent a short time working in the dairy industry. Tiring of being up to his elbows in ordure he opted for the cleaner life promised by surveying. Graduating from Otago in 2005 he moved to Christchurch to join the hard core of former Lands and Survey/DoSLI/Terralink surveyors at Andersen & Associates Ltd. This proved an excellent education in complex cadastral definition, work in challenging environments and GNSS measurement and analysis. The job took him all over NZ and on one memorable project to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Alex became a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor in 2008 and remained with Andersen & Associates until shortly after the business was sold in 2014. He now works for Fox & Associates Ltd, another small firm that has a strong focus on quality and innovation - a bit like the ICS really. Outside of work Alex spends his weekends working on the restoration of a WW2 fighter-bomber aircraft at the Ferrymead Aeronautical Society. He also enjoys tramping, fishing and motorcycling. He is married to University of Canterbury Antarctic researcher Dr Daniela Liggett, and together they have three cats and a horse. Alex still has a low tolerance for bovine excrement, as well as a measure of cynicism which he attributes to the influence of his good friend Brent George. [Co-Editor’s note – Cynicism shows you still care…apparently]. 2018 AGM AND TECHNICAL WORKSHOP – NEW PLYMOUTH
The 2018 AGM and Technical Workshop will be held in New Plymouth on 25 August at the Devon Hotel. Although registrations have now officially closed – we will accept late entries if they come with a plausible explanation. Contact sec@ics.org.nz asap if you want to be added to the list of attendees. The current programme includes: • LINZ Speakers on LandonLine and ASaTS • Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board • Limited Titles – Issues and Strategies • Energy Sector – Cadastral and Technology Impacts • Survey Audits • Cadastral Examples and Issues – Interactive Session • Social Events – Rugby (Friday night); Dinner (Saturday night) MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
The Membership drive continues to progress well. The increase in requests for membership information continue! To wit – the ICS welcomes the following colleague as a new member: • Belinda Willis (New Plymouth) Current Members are still encouraged to invite any colleagues, work associates, employees who are non-licensed surveyors to also join. There are associate and student membership categories available. Refer to this page for an application form and the ICS constitution. COMING EVENTSJuly-Nov 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 2 – Response to Issues 24 August 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 2 Part 1 Consultation – ICS Feedback requested 24 August 2018: Taranaki Bulls vs Manawatu Turbo’s (back at Yarrows Stadium – New Plymouth) 25 August 2018: ICS AGM and Workshop – New Plymouth 4 September 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 2 Part 1 Consultation Feedback to LINZ Closes 5-7 November 2018: Trimble Dimensions (International User Conference) – Las Vegas 8-9 November 2018: Auckland Build Expo & Conference – ASB Showgrounds Dec 2018 - tba 2019: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 3 – Draft Rules/Proposed Rules THE LAST WORD “I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined - and that we can do nothing to change it - look before they cross the road.” Stephen Hawking Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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Post by Alex Liggett on Oct 24, 2018 8:56:12 GMT
September 2018ICS IN ACTIONICS ADVOCACY PROJECTS The ICS projects are progressing. A summary of their status in itallics follows:
Members are reminded that your ICS Executive Committee continue to work on advocacy projects on your behalf.
- Good Survey Practice – commenced; release version circulated
- Survey Fees – early stages, in communications with LINZ
- Requisition Items – in communications with LINZ
- Cadastral Survey Rules – Stage 2 Part 1 feedback provided
- Boundary Conflict Process – in communications with LINZ
- ASaTS – (Advanced Survey and Title Service) – watching brief; feedback provided at 2018 Workshop
- LINZ Relationship (high-level communication) – progressing; next meeting being arranged
Your feedback on these matters are welcomed. If you have any other cadastral survey issues that you want support with – or want the ICS to escalate – then please contact a Committee Member or the Secretary - sec@ics.org.nz. GOOD SURVEY PRACTICE Our Good Survey Practice (GSP) project was released on 31 August. It was sent to all Members for their information and comment – and also published to the targeted recipients within the CSLB; LINZ; NZIS and Otago University School of Surveying. There has been immediate positive feedback from all parties. It is noted that the NZIS Cadastral Stream are organising a seminar on GSP and plan to hold this later in 2018. The NZIS Cadastral Stream share the ICS view that GSP has slipped over recent years. Also of note is the inclusion of a Good Survey Practice item within the next round of LINZ Rules Review consultation (Stage 2 – Part 2). It will be interesting to see of all stakeholders – including the ICS – can quickly reach a consensus on this topic for the greater good of cadastral surveying practice in general. We will keep members informed of developments of this project – and provide updated versions and/or additional information as necessary. Again, we encourage every ICS Member who has a passion about maintaining the integrity of the NZ cadastral system to continue contributing their thoughts, experience and wisdom to this project. The release version document can be downloaded here.REVIEW OF THE RULES FOR CADASTRAL SURVEYFeedback on Stage 2 – Part 1 closed on 4-September-2018. The ICS solicited views from members (including a brief session at the New Plymouth ICS Workshop) and submitted a detailed response. We also understand multiple members made individual submissions as well – we continue to encourage this. It is only by actively responding to these consultation opportunities that we can begin to influence the LINZ decisions. Of course, the challenge for LINZ is distilling the probable myriad of feedback into a consensus that is cohesive and workable for all stakeholders. Only time will tell whether this is successful, and if the final document will be any improvement on the current Rules. We understand that the Stage 2 – Part 2 process document has been drafted and will be worked over by the Reference Group very shortly. Full industry consultation – planned for late 2018 or early 2019 will cover the remaining topics in this part such as: • Repackaging CSD Plan information • Recording occupation information • Water boundaries • Good survey practice • Hierarchy of evidence • Source of adoptions • Redefinitions The ICS awaits the release of the narrative that explains the thinking on these topics. Another round of review, analysis and feedback will then be required. LANDONLINE ISSUES AND NEWSLANDONLINE PLAN PROCESSING DELAYS - JULY 2018In early August the ICS wrote to LINZ (Principal Cadastral Surveyor) recording our concerns over plan processing and approval delays. The processing times were beginning to exceed the Landonline stated 8-12 days - we were receiving consistent reports that approvals were being returned after 15 days or so. We received a prompt response from LINZ that identified they were actively managing the issue and were expecting target levels to return to ‘normal’ within a matter of weeks. The problem was exacerbated a period of higher lodgements and staff vacancies. It would seem that the processing days have indeed reduced. We acknowledge LINZ’s actions to address this issue. The ICS will continue to monitor these types of things – and communicate our concerns to LINZ early in the piece, so please let us know if you begin to experience similar issues in the future. “ON-LINE” NEWS: NZ SURVEY FIELD BOOKS - ON LINELINZ and NZ Micrographic Services (NZMS) have completed their digitisation of all North Island Surveyor's Fieldbooks up to 1972. There is a RNZ story on this – it has Mike Morris (Principal Cadastral Surveyor LINZ) talking about surveying and the people at NZMS talking about the digitisation process. See: www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/2018657573/precious-field-books-part-of-enormous-heritage-project The images themselves are available - free of charge - for anyone to browse through. They are viewable at fieldbooks.linz.govt.nz/These include a collection of Napier books (pre-quake ones) which are a very rare resource – these have also been digitised and are available for anyone interested. The originals will eventually be transferred to Archives New Zealand. We do know that the South Island does exist, and that there are a bunch of South Island Field Books as well. We hope that these are next on the list for digitisation. ICS ADMINISTRATIONINTRODUCING YOUR COMMITTEE: BRUCE SPEIRS
Bruce has over 30 years cadastral surveying experience, the last 27 of which have been in his own business in Timaru. Bruce was a founding member of ICS, served as its Secretary until 2017, and is currently the Chair of the Legislation Sub-committee. After gaining his Bachelor of Surveying at Otago University, Bruce spent one year with the Lands and Survey Department in Te Anau, followed by a year building houses in Te Anau. Returning to the survey industry and shifting provinces, Bruce joined Cowan Holmes & Brownie in Timaru for three years gaining further cadastral experience. A move across to the Timaru City Council provided good engineering experience over a further three years. A short term of employment with the South Canterbury Catchment Board, was followed by two years at Works Consultancy in Timaru mainly undertaking legalisation surveys. With this good cross-section of professional cadastral and engineering experience, Bruce started his own company in the 1991 – Land Services Group Ltd. Bruce is keen to regain some of his independence after 20+ years of raising a family, so is currently a Department of Conservation Volunteer looking after the Gunn's Bush walking track near Waimate. As a recent convert to yoga, Bruce is relishing some long-lost flexibility. [Editor's note: And potentially enlightenment?!] 2018 AGM AND TECHNICAL WORKSHOP – NEW PLYMOUTH
The 2018 AGM and Technical Workshop was held in New Plymouth on 25 August at the Devon Hotel. The event was attended by 17 members – a great turn-out being nearly 40% of current membership with a Canterbury contingent just out-numbering the locals Taranakians by 1 or so. Other Members that were able to join us in New Plymouth were from Northland to Otago and a few places in between. The day was well organised, with plenty of opportunities for social catch-ups between surveyors in between the sessions. The AGM started off the day, which included a special “Service Award” for Simon Jenkin in appreciation of his service and dedication to the ICS from 2001 to 2018. Simon is stepping down from the Committee. As Simon was not able to join us in New Plymouth, Phil Conway was able to deliver the Award – an engraved plaque – to Simon in Dunedin a few days later. New Committee members Stephen Koning (Taranaki) and Ian Gillespie (Northland) were welcomed onto the Committee. These experienced and forthright cadastral surveyors will add great value to Committee discussions, as well as extend a ‘management’ coverage truly from “the top of the North, to the bottom of the South”. Biographical details for both Stephen and Ian will follow in subsequent issues of the ICS Express. The Presidents Report was presented at the meeting and has since been circulated to members. It covers the ICS’s “year in review” – and what a busy year it has been in hindsight. The main Workshop part of the proceedings followed. The open and relaxed presentations enabled members to interact with the speakers and pose the odd frank question or two. The topics varied – again dominated by “things LINZ” – but then that is a main part of our cadastral survey existence. Sessions on Landonline and ASaTS dealt with the current system and considered what should be in the future system. A brief review of the Survey Rules proposals (Stage 2 Part 1) later in the day was an opportunity for us to speed-debate the LINZ offerings on the seven change areas put up for consultation to date. The CSLB Chairperson provided an informal overview of the complaints and misconduct process (no names mentioned) and noted the areas that practicing surveyors often tripped up over – limited title definitions; natural boundaries and complex definitions. A local surveyor from the Energy Sector provided an illustrated non-cadastral change of focus with his presentation on survey technology developments in offshore minerals exploration. The afternoon was rounded off with some expert technical presentations on Limited Titles surveys using real examples, an insight and summary of the legal issues still festering following Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010-11; and a general “heads-up” for Surveyors who have yet to go through an official LINZ Audit review. The usual “cadastral issues and examples” slot completed the Workshop day and covered water bodies and boundaries; encroachment; ethics and professional communication. The final programme of speakers and their topics were: - Georgine Beattie (LINZ) – Quality Survey Dataset; LandonLine Troubleshooting and Tips
- James Mowat (LINZ) and Nick Stillwell (LINZ/NZIS)- ASaTS
- Vicki Nalder (Chair, Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board) – Issues and
- Colin Jackson (Bland & Jackson) – Cadastral and Technology Impacts
- Pat Sole (Pat Sole Surveyors) - Limited Titles – Issues and Strategies
- AJ Cowie (topografo) – Christchurch Earthquake Aftermath
- Mark Geddes (TL Surveys Ltd) - Survey Audits
- ICS Members - Cadastral Examples and Issues – Interactive Session
A summary of some of the presentations will be made available shortly, along with copies of the Powerpoint presentations and notes (where available). The day was book-ended by two stunning Taranaki days – with the sunshine and mild conditions enabling those of us who were visiting to enjoy the coastal walkway; the biking trails; the cafes, shopping and galleries; and even the Forgotten World Highway by rail! We will look forward to next year’s event – location and details to be advised! ICS PRIZE - UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO SCHOOL OF SURVEYING
For many years the ICS has provided financial support in the form of a $200 Prize for the “Cadastral Surveying 3 Project” being the SURV457 paper. This year, we have reviewed our contribution, and are delighted to report that the Prize has been upgraded in terms of name and value. From 2018 the annual Prize offered will be known as the “Institute of Cadastral Surveying Chris Hoogsteden Memorial Prize” and will consist of a $300.00 cash payment, plus a package including ICS Membership and the Cadastral Index Tool/Application (valued at over $1750). ICS WITHIN LINKEDIN
For those members who use LinkedIn – the social network designed for career and business professionals – you are reminded to ‘connect” with the ICS LinkedIn Group. Just log on to your LinkedIn profile, and search "Institute of Cadastral Surveying” or part thereof, and follow the steps to join. If you are having trouble with this email treasurer@ics.org.nz for assistance. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
The Membership drive continues to progress well. The increase in requests for membership information continue! To wit – the ICS welcomes another colleague as a new member: - Allen Juffermans (New Plymouth)
A request that a membership list be published was received by the Secretary. Rather than ensconce that list in this publication, it will be sent out by email to Members – for their information. COMING EVENTSJuly-Nov 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 2 – Response to Issues June 2018 – Jan 2019: National Planning Standards – Submission Assessment and Refinement 4 September 2018: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 2 Part 1 Consultation Feedback to LINZ Closes 5-7 November 2018: Trimble Dimensions (International User Conference) – Las Vegas 8-9 November 2018: Auckland Build Expo & Conference – ASB Showgrounds Dec 2018 - tba 2019: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 2 Part 2 – Publication of Proposals and Consultation 2019: Cadastral Rules Review – Stage 3 – Draft Rules/Proposed Rules Apr 2019: National Planning Standards – Gazettal of first set of Standards planningstandards@mfe.govt.nzApr 2019 – Apr 2024: National Planning Standards – Implementation THE LAST WORD If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together - African Proverb Thanks to LPMS for supporting this newsletter. To get your ad in the newsletter contact sec@ics.org.nz.
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