Apply for a Rates Rebate

The Rates Rebates Scheme provides a rebate of up to $830 for low-income earners who are paying rates for the home they were living in on 1 July 2026. You can apply for a rebate for the current rating year only.

If you need help applying

You can visit us without an appointment from 17 August to 4 September 2026 at our Main Office in Levin, or at our Service Centres in Foxton and Shannon. Staff will be available during this time to help you complete your application.

Please bring all the information and documents you need to support your application.

After 4 September, you can still apply or get assistance from us.

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 from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, 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 Card Holders eligibility

Applicants for a rates rebate who hold a SuperGold Card are eligible for a rebate calculated using a higher income abatement threshold than applicants who do not hold a SuperGold card.

The Government introduced this change in 2025 to provide targeted support for SuperGold Card holders on fixed incomes who are affected by rates increases. The change recognises that some people receiving New Zealand Superannuation may struggle to pay their rates and expands the existing rates rebate scheme to provide additional support.

The legal ratepayer named on the Rating Information Database (RID) must hold a valid SuperGold Card. If two ratepayers are named in the RID, either can apply provided they hold a valid SuperGold Card. Overseas-issued SuperGold Cards are not eligible.

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 2026.

Use the calculator

What you'll need to provide

You'll need to provide:

  • proof of income (before tax) for the tax year from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 (this includes any interest at the bank); and
  • proof of your spouse/partner's 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 from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. 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 from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
  • 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

By email

Step 1.Complete the application form

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

Rates rebate application form 2026-2027 | Puka tono monihoki reiti 2026-2027

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.

Retirement village residents rates rebates certificate | Tiwhikete monihoki reiti mō ngā kainoho papa kāinga kaumātua

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.

Company-share apartment rates rebate declaration | Whakapuakitanga monihoki Reiti mō ngā wharetō whai hea pakihi

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 Wednesday 30 June 2027.

By mail

Step 1.Complete the application form

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

Rates rebate application form 2026-2027 | Puka tono monihoki reiti 2026-2027

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.

Retirement village residents rates rebates certificate | Tiwhikete monihoki reiti mō ngā kainoho papa kāinga kaumātua

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.

Company-share apartment rates rebate declaration | Whakapuakitanga monihoki Reiti mō ngā wharetō whai hea pakihi

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 Wednesday 30 June 2027.

In person

Make an appointment

Council staff are happy to assist you to complete your application. From 17 August to 4 September, you can visit our Main Office in Levin or our Service Centres in Foxton and Shannon during opening hours - no appointment is needed. Outside this period, you're still welcome to visit or contact us for assistance. Phone us on 06 366 0999 or email your name and phone number to ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

Please bring all the information and documents you need to support your application.

Applications close on Wednesday 30 June 2027.

What happens next?

If your application is approved, 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 from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Can self-employed people apply?

Yes. If you're self-employed, bring proof of your income or your set of accounts for the tax year from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

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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