Rates Relief

As part of our Economic Recovery Action Plan, Council has adopted three new policies to assist eligible residential, rural and commercial property owners. We have provided an overview of the three new policies below, but you can also read the Rates Remissions, Postponement, Discounts and Collections Policy in full here. 

Rates Postponement Natural Calamities Policy 

This policy provides rating relief to commercial property owners who need additional time to pay their rates due to financial hardship caused by a declared event. Rates will be postponed until a date specified by Council, the death of the ratepayer, or the ratepayer ceases to be the owner of the property or ceases to use the property as their primary residence.

• Are you a ratepayer who runs a business/farm from the property?
• Can demonstrate that you have been financially impacted due to a declared event and now face financial hardship?

Click here to read our Rates Postponement Natural Calamities Policy in full.

Rates Postponement for Financial Hardship Policy 

To provide rating relief to property owners who need additional time to pay their rates due to their financial circumstances. You must first approach your bank or financial advisor for either a mortgage, reverse mortgage, or annuity. If your application was declined, please provide a copy of the letter that outlines the reasons why. Applicants must provide evidence of having received budget advice from an approved budget advisory service. Even if rates are postponed, as a rule, the ratepayer will be required to pay the first $1000 of the annual rates assessment by setting up regular Direct Debit payments.

Click here to read our Rates Postponement for Financial Hardship Policy in full.

Rates rebate

In addition to the above policie,s ratepayers may be entitled to a rate rebate. If you are receiving NZ Superannuation, WINZ benefits or have a combined income within a certain threshold, then you may be entitled to a rates rebate of up to $750! Click here for more details. 

If you need support with paying your rates, please reach out to our Rates team on 06 857 7738 and they will do all they can to assist.