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Rates rebates

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by the Department of Internal Affairs in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low-income home owners on the cost of their rates.

If you have a low income and pay the rates on your home, you could be eligible for a rebate or reduction of up to $790 in the 2024/25 financial year. Rates rebates are administered by local councils on behalf of central government.

For 2024/25 the income threshold is $40,000, however if you earn above that amount you may still qualify for a rebate dependent on your circumstances.

Rebate applications for the 2024/25 financial year will open from September 2024.

Eligibility and benefits

To read the full eligibility criteria visit the NZ Government website.

If you believe you meet this criteria and would like to check if you are eligible, then use their rates rebate calculator.

How to apply

Application details are available on the NZ Government webpage. You can also download their Rates Rebate Application Form or collect a hard copy form from a Council office from September each year.

Our staff are happy to assist you with any further queries you may have or you can use the online tools available on the NZ Government website.

When applying for a rates rebate, you must provide the following:

  • Accurate information about your income (and that of any spouse/partner or joint home owner who lives with you) for the tax year
  • Your Waipā rates notice and your Waikato Regional Rates Notice

Please wait until you get your first annual rates invoice before applying for a rebate.

Applications close on 30 June 2025 and cannot be accepted after this date for a rebate from the 2024/25 financial year.

If you’re not sure if you’ve already applied for a rebate, please contact our team on 0800 WAIPADC (924 723) or by emailing rates@waipadc.govt.nz, and our Rates team can check for you.

Download rates rebate form 2024/25

Rebate FAQs

No, any home owner on a low income can apply.

You can check your eligibility by using the Governments rates rebates calculator. Or you can contact the rates team on 0800 WAIPADC (924 723) or by emailing rates@waipadc.govt.nz.

No, if you have any rates outstanding, the rebate will be credited to your account. If you have a direct debit, you will be given a direct debit holiday to cover the amount of the rebate.

Yes, you could still qualify. A rebate may still be available depending on your circumstances. Check out the Governments rates rebates calculator to work out what could be your rebate.

No, we send application forms out to those who were declined in the previous year as we are aware that financial circumstances can change from year to year.

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