Land Information Memorandum (LIM)

If you are planning to buy or sell a property you can request a LIM to find out information Waitaki District Council has on file for that property.

To find rating information for a property you can search our online property database for rating information.

Please note the following important dates for LIM processing before the holiday period:
Standard LIM applications: Must be received by 2:00 PM, Monday 8 December 2025.
Urgent LIM applications: Must be received by 2:00 PM, Wednesday 17 December 2025.
Applications received after these dates will be processed in the New Year. The statutory clock resumes on 10 January 2026. Under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (Section 44A), councils must issue a LIM within 10 working days of receiving an application. Please note that working days exclude weekends, public holidays, and the period from 20 December to 10 January each year.
Thank you for your understanding and planning ahead during this busy season.

What is a LIM?

A Land Information Memorandum or LIM is a comprehensive report of the relevant and most important information that council holds on a property including:

  • any special feature of the land Council knows about including: 

  • the downhill movement of any land 

  • gradual sinking or wearing away of any land 

  • the falling of rock or earth from or onto a property 

  • any flooding that affects a property 

  • possible contamination or hazardous substances 

  • information the Council holds on private and public stormwater and sewerage drains 

  • rates information 

  • any consents, notices, orders or requisitions affecting the land or buildings 

  • District Plan classifications that relate to the land or buildings 

  • any other classifications on the land or buildings notified to the Council by network utility operators in relation to the Building Act 2004 

  • any other information the Council deems relevant.

Anyone can apply for a LIM for any property within the Waitaki District.

The report is prepared in accordance with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and includes the information set out in Section 44A.

It does not provide interpretation of this information or advice on how to interpret or utilise this information. Your own independent and appropriate professional advice should be sought. 

We are required by law to issue your LIM within 10 working days of request. However, if an application is received after 2pm, the clock starts on the following business day. 

How to apply for a LIM

If you prefer to fill the form out manually, please print and complete the LIM application form at the bottom of the page and return to Council with payment. Applications may be submitted by email to lims@waitaki.govt.nz

Or in person:;

Main office - 20 Thames Street, Oamaru 

Waihemo Service Centre – 54 Tiverton Street, Palmerston

Please note:

  • Council will not process applications until payment is received. A screenshot as proof of payment can be provided for immediate lodgement.

  • A copy of the Record of Title (up to 3 months old) for the property is required for us to process a LIM. This can be requested through www.linz.govt.nz or through our Customer Liaison Team.

  • A separate application is required for each portion of land held under separate valuation references.

  • Other authorities may hold information relevant to the property.

How much does a LIM cost?

It depends on what the LIM is for and how quickly you need it. We have different categories:

  • Residential Standard (provided within 10 working days)

  • Residential Urgent (provided within 3 working days, dependent on staff availability)

  • Commercial Standard - also includes properties over 2.5 hectares (provided within 10 working days)

  • Commercial Urgent (provided within 3 working days, dependent on staff availability)

Payment must be submitted with the application. Council reserves the right to make an additional charge where search requirements are unusually complex or extensive.

We will email you a link to the digital copy of your LIM. This link will expire 28 days from the issue date. Should you wish for a hardcopy to be posted, printing charges will apply.

Can I cancel a LIM after I've ordered it?

You can cancel a standard LIM for a full refund within 24 hours of lodging it. No cancellations will be accepted after that. If an urgent LIM is cancelled within 24 hours of lodgement, charges may apply for any work undertaken.

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