Apply for a Rates Rebate

The Rates Rebates Scheme provides a rebate of up to $805 for low-income earners who are paying rates for the home they were living in on 1 July 2025. You can apply for a rebate for the current rating year only.

Who is eligible?

Rebates will be calculated based on:

  • your income
  • the number of dependents living with you
  • the total amount of rates for the rating year 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, including Horowhenua District Council and Horizons Regional Council.

Find out more about who is eligible to get a rates rebate on the New Zealand Government website

SuperGold cardholders eligibility

From 1 July 2025, applicants for a rebate of rates that hold a SuperGold Card are eligible for a rebate calculated on a higher income abatement threshold than non-SuperGold cardholders.

This was a Government decision to provide targeted relief for seniors on the SuperGold Card, who are on fixed incomes and are dealing with rates increases. This change recognises that there are people receiving New Zealand Superannuation who are struggling to pay their rates and this is addressed through expanding the existing rates rebate scheme.

The legal ratepayer named on the rating information database (RID) must hold the SuperGold Card. If two ratepayers are named in the RID, then either can apply for a rebate. This eligibility excludes overseas SuperGold Cards.

Rates rebate calculator

Before you apply, we recommend you check your eligibility using the rates rebate calculator on the New Zealand Government website. You'll need:

  • the total rates you’ll pay for the current rating year
  • the number of dependants living with you on 1 July 2025

Use the calculator

What you'll need to provide

You'll need to provide:

  • proof of income (before tax) for the tax year ended 31 March 2025 (this includes any interest at the bank); and
  • proof of your spouse/partner's or joint income if living together
  • your SuperGold card, if applicable.

Council will be able to access your rates information.

What's included in proof of income

'Income' means money received, before tax, for the tax year ended 31 March 2025. Satisfactory proof of income includes:

  • income confirmation from Work and Income; and/or
  • income confirmation from Inland Revenue; and/or
  • investment earning statements for the tax year; and/or
  • statement of earnings from your employer. 

If you're self-employed

Additionally, for self-employed people:

  • a complete set of business accounts for the tax year ended 31 March 2025
  • you cannot offset business losses against other income
  • business losses should be entered as $0.

Where to get proof of income

Inland Revenue (IRD)
Income Tax enquiries		 Website: www.ird.govt.nz
Freephone: 0800 227 774 (NZ only)
Work and Income
General enquiries for under 65		 Website: www.workandincome.govt.nz
Freephone: 0800 559 009 (NZ only)
Working for Families
General enquiries for individuals		 Website: www.ird.govt.nz
Freephone: 0800 227 773

Apply now

By email

Step 1.Complete the application form

If you think you might be eligible, download and complete the application form.

Puka tono monihoki reiti 2025-2026 | Rates rebate application form 2025-2026(PDF, 337KB)

Paper forms can also be picked up from Council's Main Office in Levin, or service centres in Foxton and Shannon.

If you live in a retirement village

Your village manager must sign a declaration form.

Tiwhikete monihoki reiti mō ngā kainoho papa kāinga kaumātua | Retirement village residents rates rebates certificate(PDF, 172KB)

If you live in a company-share apartment

The person who's responsible for paying rates for the whole property must sign a declaration form.

Whakapuakitanga monihoki Reiti mō ngā wharetō whai hea pakihi | Company-share apartment rates rebate declaration(PDF, 254KB)

Step 2.Return the form to us

Scan your completed application form, including the supporting documents, and email them to ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

Applications close on Friday 30 June 2026.

By mail

Step 1.Complete the application form

If you think you might be eligible, download and complete the application form.

Puka tono monihoki reiti 2025-2026 | Rates rebate application form 2025-2026(PDF, 337KB)

Paper forms can also be picked up from Council's Main Office in Levin, or service centres in Foxton and Shannon.

If you live in a retirement village

Your village manager must sign a declaration form.

Tiwhikete monihoki reiti mō ngā kainoho papa kāinga kaumātua | Retirement village residents rates rebates certificate(PDF, 172KB)

If you live in a company-share apartment

The person who's responsible for paying rates for the whole property must sign a declaration form.

Whakapuakitanga monihoki Reiti mō ngā wharetō whai hea pakihi | Company-share apartment rates rebate declaration(PDF, 254KB)

Step 2.Return the form to us

Send your completed application form, including the supporting documents, to Horowhenua District Council, Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540.

Applications close on Friday 30 June 2026.

In person

Make an appointment

Council staff are happy to assist you to complete your application. Phone us on 06 366 0999 or email your name and phone number to ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

Applications close on Friday 30 June 2026.

What happens next?

If you’re successful, we'll deduct the amount of your rebate from your rates bill. If you’ve already paid your rates in full, we’ll give you a refund.

FAQs

Do I have to be on superannuation to apply?

No, ratepayers of any age can apply. The rebate is based on total income from all sources for the tax year ended 31 March 2025.

Can self-employed people apply?

Yes. Self-employed people simply need to bring in proof of income or your set of accounts for the tax year ending 31 March 2025.

Do my rates have to be up-to-date to apply?

No. The rebate is based on your current year's rates. We encourage anyone facing difficulty in paying their rates to contact Council to discuss options.

Is the process complicated?

No. The process is simple and straightforward. Council staff are happy to assist you to complete your application.

Contact Us

Phone

06 366 0999

Email

ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

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