Rates rebate and relief

Having trouble paying your rates? We're here to help.

We may be able to offer:

payment plans
rates relief
more time to pay
waiving of late payment penalties
information on where to go for further financial help.

Contacting us early may help you avoid further penalties, bank charges or legal action to recover unpaid rates. By discussing your financial situation with us, we can work together to find a solution.

You can use our online forms to enquire about rates rebates and remissions, or phone us.

Rates rebate scheme

If you own and live in your home on 1 July and have a low income, you might get up to $830 off your rates. Check if you qualify and see how to apply.

Rates relief and remissions

Find out what rates relief you can get, including help for eligible properties and Māori freehold land. See what you need to qualify, what support is available, and how to apply.

The debt recovery process

We are able to recover rates if a property owner is in default.

If you are in arrears, please contact us so that we can work together to find a solution.

Recovery process for unpaid rates

For any arrears on the property, as at 1 July, for which no payment arrangement has been made, we may proceed with legal action to recover the debt.

If you have a mortgage on the property, we will contact the financial institution.

If the rates remain unpaid or no payment arrangement has been agreed three to four months later, we may demand payment of the rates arrears from the financial institution.

For properties without a mortgage, we may forward the arrears to our debt collection agency.

In extreme cases, the property can be sold to recover outstanding rates under section 68 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

Find more information on the New Zealand Legislation website:

Section 63, Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (legislation.govt.nz)
Section 68, Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (legislation.govt.nz)