A registered surveyor does more than put pegs in the ground. Here are the surveys people most often need and what each produces.
Boundary opening
You have a title but do not know where the corners are, or a neighbour disagrees. The surveyor re-establishes the mark stones from the registry's coordinates and produces a boundary report. Do this before you build a wall, and before you buy.
Subdivision (mutation)
You want to sell part of a plot or share a family holding. The surveyor pegs the new plots, prepares mutation forms and deed plans, and lodges them at the Ministry so each new plot can get its own title.
Topographic survey
Before an architect or engineer designs anything, they need the levels, contours and existing features of the site. This is the survey that gives them that.
Engineering and setting-out
During construction the surveyor transfers the design onto the ground so foundations, roads and drains end up where the drawings say.
What you receive
Depending on the job: a signed survey report, deed plans, mutation forms, a topographic plan or setting-out data, plus the Ministry lodgement reference where one applies. Keep them with your title; the next buyer will ask.