Apply for rates remission

For the 2024/25 financial year (starting in July 2024) the council is continuing its rates remission (reduction) put in place for the 2023/24 year to assist households affected by a significant increase in rates as a result of the 2022 property revaluations.

The available remission for 2024/25 is reduced to $0.75 for every $1.00 of 2023/24 rates increase over $700, capped at $375 – to see whether you qualify, check the criteria below.

The rates remission net has been cast wider for a limited time to include households who have experienced a dramatic rise in the value of their property after the 2022 district-wide revaluation and might struggle to pay the higher rates.

This short-term assistance gives affected households time to plan how they will be able to fund their property’s rates for the next rating year (from July 2025).

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2025.

Before you apply, check the criteria below.

Rates remission criteria

To be eligible for rates remission, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • your rates increase for 2023/24 was over $700
  • your household income from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 was no more than $90,000 gross
  • your property is solely used for residential purposes and has remained in the same ownership since the October 2022 district valuation
  • you live in the property and don’t own other properties
  • your rates increase is predominantly due to the October 2022 district revaluation rather than building work or property improvements
  • you have not commenced the process of property subdivision.

Evidence of income

You will need to provide proof of income which could include:

Proof of income from Inland Revenue

You can get a summary of income by logging into Inland Revenue, or you can call Inland Revenue on 0800 227 774 (New Zealand only).

Proof of income from Work and Income

You can ask your case manager to give you a letter showing your income.

If you’re self-employed

If you’re self-employed you will need to provide a copy of your complete set of financial accounts, IR3B or IR10.

How to apply

There are several ways to apply for rates remission:

Apply

Other support available

Where eligible, we’d encourage you to seek one of the following forms of assistance as well:

Rates rebate

The rates rebate scheme provides a rebate (refund) of up to $790 for low income earners who were paying rates for the home they were living in on 1 July 2024. Your rebate is calculated based on your income, rates and the number of dependants living with you. The income eligibility limit for a rebate is $31,510. If your income exceeds this amount you could still be entitled to a rebate depending on the total cost of your rates and the number of dependants. The scheme is administered by the council on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs.

You can find out more here

Ministry of Social Development support

If you think you may be entitled to an accommodation supplement or additional income support from Work and Income, contact them to check your eligibility here 

Paying by direct debit

Setting up a direct debit for rates can really help because it spreads rate payments evenly over the year. You can set up a payment to come out of your bank account weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly. You can find out more here