Rates Rebate Scheme
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We administer a rates rebate scheme which helps low income ratepayers with their rates account for their homes. If you have a low income and pay the rates on your home, you could receive up to $830 through Central Government's Rates Rebate Scheme. The amount you could be entitled to depends on a combination of your income, the amount of rates you are charged and the number of dependants you have. The threshold for SuperGold card holders has increased, so it's worth checking if you qualify.
The maximum rates rebate available to a ratepayer for their home on 1 July 2026 is $830.
You can apply for a rebate for the current rating year only.
The rates rebate process and eligibility requirements are managed by the Department of Internal Affairs. We assess and approve rates rebate applications on their behalf.
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Check if you're eligible for a rebate
Eligibility and how much you get depends on:
the total amount of rates you pay
if you hold a SuperGold Card
you and your spouse/partner’s (if applicable) gross income
how many dependants live with you
the ownership of your property
your living situation.
The threshold for SuperGold card holders has increased so it's worth checking if you qualify.
Find out more about who is eligible to get a rates rebate on the New Zealand Government website.
Rates rebate calculator
Before applying, we recommend you check your eligibility using the rates rebate calculator on the New Zealand Government website
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How to apply
For the 2026/2027 rating year, you need to apply by 30 June 2027. You cannot apply for previous year rebates.
Download the rates rebate application form from the New Zealand Government website and print it:
For more information or to apply contact us on (07) 878 0800 to or email [email protected]
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After you've applied
We'll send you an email or letter to confirm we have received your application.
We'll assess your application and let you know if it has been approved within one month of receiving it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rates rebate?
The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by Government in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low income home owners on the cost of their rates. Council administers the Scheme and is reimbursed by the Government for all rates rebates.
A rates rebate is a partial discount on a rates bill — you pay less for your rates.
If you own your home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate.
Do you qualify for a rates rebate?
You may be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2026-2027 rating year if:
You are the legal ratepayer for your property
Your property was your place of residence on 1 July 2026
Your property is not used principally for commercial, industrial, business or farming purposes
You apply between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027
To check what your entitlement might be if you provide the above details to Council by telephone on 0800 932 4357 or over the counter at our Customer Services and Visitor Hub at 160 Rora Street, Te Kūiti.
We can quickly calculate whether you qualify for a rates rebate, and if so, how much you would be entitled to or you can use the online rates rebate calculator.
What do I need to apply:
Proof of Income
Proof of income is required for the tax year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
You can get this proof from Inland Revenue.
You can get an income summary by logging into Inland Revenue (IR). Go to the Request a summary of income page on the IR website. You can also contact IR's self-service 24 hours, 7 days and week, by phoning 0800 257 777
Proof of self-employed income
If you are self-employed, you need to provide satisfactory proof of income for the tax year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This includes:
A copy of your complete set of financial accounts, or the IR3B or IR10 form you provided to Inland Revenue.
Business losses cannot be offset against other income.
Proof of SuperGold card
If the legal ratepayer of the property holds a SuperGold Card, you may be eligible to receive a higher rebate. Provide a copy or bring in your signed SuperGold card when applying.
When do I apply?
Applications for this rating year close on 30 June 2027; no late applications will be accepted.
Want to know more?
Please visit or phone Council on phone 0800 932 4357 and talk to one of our Customer Services Officers or you can email [email protected] or have a look at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) website to use a calculator to determine any entitlement and see some examples based on different rate levels, income levels and the number of dependents.