TL Surveys
Company History & Profile

Over a century of surveying heritage

Our roots trace back through New Zealand's government survey departments to our founding as an independent practice in 1999.

1876–1987

Department of Lands and Survey

For over 100 years, government surveying in New Zealand was carried out by the Department of Lands and Survey.

April 1987

Restructured into DOSLI

The Department of Lands and Survey was restructured to become the Department of Survey and Land Information (DOSLI).

July 1996

LINZ and Terralink formed

DOSLI was again restructured, splitting into Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and Terralink (a state owned enterprise – SOE).

March 1999

TL Survey Services Ltd formed

Terralink was restructured once more, and TL Survey Services Ltd emerged as one of ten stand-alone survey businesses, led by directors Steve Copson and Darrell Thomson.

February 2026

Rebranded as TL Surveys

TL Survey Services Ltd was bought by long-standing staff member Mark Geddes, and the business was rebranded as TL Surveys.

We are currently based in Dunedin, but we operate across Otago, Southland and South Canterbury, and will happily travel further afield when required.

Need a free, no-obligation estimate?

Whether it's uncovering some title data or planning an extensive subdivision, get in touch and we'll talk through your options.

Contact TL Surveys