Meshblock 2023 (generalised)

This dataset is the definitive of the annually released meshblock boundaries as at 1 January 2023 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 57,539 meshblocks, including 16 with empty or null geometries (non-digitised meshblocks). Stats NZ maintains an annual meshblock pattern for collecting and producing statistical data. This allows data to be compared over time. A meshblock is the smallest geographic unit for which statistical data is collected and processed by Stats NZ. A meshblock is a defined geographic area, which can vary in size from part of a city block to a large area of rural land. The optimal size for a meshblock is 30–60 dwellings (containing approximately 60–120 residents). Each meshblock borders on another to form a network covering all of New Zealand, including coasts and inlets and extending out to the 200-mile economic zone (EEZ) and is digitised to the 12-mile limit. Meshblocks are added together to build up larger geographic areas such as statistical area 1 (SA1), statistical area 2 (SA2), statistical area 3 (SA3), and urban rural (UR). They are also used to define electoral districts, territorial authorities, and regional councils. Meshblock boundaries generally follow road centrelines, cadastral property boundaries, or topographical features such as rivers. Expanses of water in the form of lakes and inlets are defined separately from land.Meshblock maintenanceMeshblock boundaries are amended by:1. Splitting – subdividing a meshblock into two or more meshblocks. 2. Nudging – shifting a boundary to a more appropriate position. Reasons for meshblock splits and nudges can include:·to maintain meshblock criteria rules. ·to improve the size balance of meshblocks in areas where there has been population growth·to maintain alignment to cadastre and other geographic features.·Stats NZ requests for boundary changes so that statistical geography boundaries can be moved ·external requests for boundary changes so that administrative or electoral boundaries can be moved ·to separate land and water. Mainland, inland water, islands, inlets, and oceanic are defined separatelyMeshblock changes are made throughout the year. A major release is made at 1 January each year with ad hoc releases available to users at other times.While meshblock boundaries are continually under review, 'freezes' on changes to the boundaries are applied periodically. Such 'freezes' are imposed at the time of population censuses and during periods of intense electoral activity, for example, prior and during general and local body elections.Meshblock numbering Meshblocks are not named and have seven-digit codes.When meshblocks are split, each new meshblock is given a new code. The original meshblock codes no longer exist within that version and future versions of the meshblock classification. Meshblock codes do not change when a meshblock boundary is nudged.Meshblocks that existed prior to 2015 and have not changed are numbered from 0000100 to 3210003. Meshblocks created from 2015 onwards are numbered from 4000000.Digitised and non-digitised meshblocksThe digital geographic boundaries are defined and maintained by Stats NZ.Meshblocks cover the land area of New Zealand, the water area to the 12mile limit, the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, sub-Antarctic islands, offshore oil rigs, and Ross Dependency. The following 16 meshblocks are not held in digitised form.MeshblockLocation (statistical area 2 name)0016901Oceanic Kermadec Islands0016902Kermadec Islands1588000Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki3166401Oceanic Campbell Island3166402Campbell Island3166600Oceanic Oil Rig Southland3166710Oceanic Auckland Islands3166711Auckland Islands3195000Ross Dependency3196001New Zealand Economic Zone3196002Oceanic Bounty Islands3196003Bounty Islands3196004Oceanic Snares Islands3196005Snares Island3196006Oceanic Antipodes Islands3196007Antipodes IslandsGeneralised versionThis generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.MacronsNames are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.Digital dataDigital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.