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?
To be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2022/23 rating year:
- You must be shown as the legal ratepayer for the property that was your home on 1 July 2022.
- You must pay the rates for the home in which you live.
- It must not principally be used for commercial, industrial, business or farming purposes.
The amount of any rates rebate is based on three factors:
- The amount of your annual rates levy.
- The total income received by you and your partner.
- The number of dependants residing on the property.
If you provide these three 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.
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 complete your application electronically.
Bring details of any income other than NZ Superannuation for the year ended 31 March 2022 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 to 9 September 2022. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2023.
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 2022.
