You could get a rates reduction as part of the government's rate rebate scheme, which provides rates assistance to low income earners.
Apply for a low-income-earner rates rebate
Visit the New Zealand Government website and download and complete a rates rebate application form(external link).
Please note that if you live in a retirement village or company-share apartment, there is an additional declaration form to complete.
You can also pick up an application form at one of our Customer Service Hubs,(external link) or by calling us on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169.
In 2026/2027, the government may pay up to $830 of your rates under the rebate scheme, depending on a combination of your income, the amount of rates you are charged, the number of dependents you have, and whether you are a SuperGold cardholder.
Your income is based on the tax year preceding the current rating year. For the 2026 to 2027 rating year, the preceding tax year is from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. It includes your spouse's income but does not include the following:
- disability allowance
- cash grants/capital payments
- war widow’s or war disablement benefits
- medal or honour payments
- grants for funeral expenses
- prizes and winnings
- family support
Rating years run from 1 July to the following 30 June each year. You can apply for a rebate at any time during the rating year, but your rebate cannot be back-dated to previous years.
Even if you already get a rebate, you must reapply each year. We will send you an application form with your first rates instalment invoice in July. Please allow at least 10 working days to process your application before your instalment due date.
The rebate gets applied to the current year’s rates. Any outstanding balance from the previous rating year will still be due.
Eligibility
To qualify for a rates rebate:
- The property you pay rates for must be your usual place of residence.
- You must be living in your own home on 1 July
- Your name must be on the rates bill.
Eligibility is based on a calculation, and you may be eligible for some amount even if your income is too high to qualify for a full rebate. The application form has a table showing what level of rebate is available for a range of incomes and rates charges.
To find out if you may qualify, you can visit one of our service desks(external link), phone 0800 800 169, or use the online calculator(external link) at the Department of Internal Affairs website.
A person who has power of attorney is able to apply for the rebate. Documentation demonstrating that the power of attorney covers property and finance needs to be sent with your application.
Any resident who has a residential unit in a retirement village but is not a ratepayer with respect to that unit, and who contributes to the outgoings of the retirement village is now eligible to apply for a rebate. You'll need to complete and include the retirement village declaration form [PDF, 658KB](external link) with your application.
More information
You can get more information about getting a rates rebate from the NZ Government(external link) website.
