Rates Rebates

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by the Government through the Rates Rebate Act 1973 and the criteria given affect to by the Rates Rebate Order 2006 and the Rates Rebate (Specified Amounts) Order 2008. The scheme is administered by the Council on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs.

The scheme’s purpose is to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners and ratepayers on the cost of their rates. The level of your rates, income and whether you have any dependents will all have a bearing on whether you qualify for a rebate or not.

2011/2012 Rates Rebate Scheme

There are changes to the Rates Rebate Scheme for the rating year beginning 1 July 2011:

The maximum rebate has increased from $570 to $580
The income threshold has increased from $22,340 to $23,240

Am I entitled to a Rates Rebate?

To view the rules for Rates Rebates, work out if you qualify for a Rates Rebate and download an Application Form, please visit The Department of Internal Affair's Rates Rebates Scheme.

Application Forms are also available from Council's Service Centres.

How do I apply for a Rates Rebate?

Once you have received your rates bill, ratepayers in the Horowhenua District may apply to the Council for a rates rebate. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2012.

When applying for a rates rebate, the process will be a lot quicker if you bring supporting information:

Proof of income (before tax) for the tax year ended 31 March 2011;
Your rates notice, including you regional rates notice: and
Proof of your partner/joint home owner’s income if living together.

Call our Customer Services Team on (06) 366 0999 to make an appointment or email your name and address to ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

For full information about the Rates Rebates Scheme please see the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website.