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 administer the Scheme and is reimbursed by the Government for all rates rebates.
Do you Qualify for a Rates Rebate?
You may be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2023/24 rating year if:
- You are the legal ratepayer for your property
- Your property was your place of residence on 1 July 2023
- Your property is not used principally for commercial, industrial, business or farming purposes
- You apply between 1 July and 2023 and 1 July 2024
Your rebate amount depends on:
- Your annual rates amount
- You and your spouse/partner or joint homeowner's (if applicable) gross income
- The number of dependants living with you
To check what your entitlement might be if you provide the above details to Council by telephone or over the counter at one of our offices, 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.
Go to DIA rates rebate calculator
How to Apply for a Rates Rebate
You can apply in person at the Council offices in Blenheim or Picton. A Customer Services Officer will assist you with completing your application.
Bring details of any income other than NZ Superannuation for the income tax 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 and your rates invoice or reminder letter.
Go to the Rates Rebate Application form
When Do I Apply?
You can come into our Blenheim or Picton Office at any time, but there will be long queues if you wait until the period just before rates are due. Because you can claim a rates rebate in advance of paying your rates, we recommend that you come into one of the Council offices from early August to make your rates rebate application. Council will have dedicated staff to process your application during the period 1 August 2023 to 15 September 2023.
Submit your application before 1 July 2024.
Want to Know More?
Please visit or phone Council on phone 03 520 7400 and talk to one of our Customer Services Officers 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 dependants.
Go to DIA rates rebate calculator
Contact Details for Proof of Income
Maximum Rates of Work and Income Benefits Table
The DIA table in the pdf below is a guide only to help determine the income of applicants receiving NZ Superannuation or a Work and Income benefit for tax year ended 31 March 2023.
