Rates

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Rates Overview

Rates are funds collected by the council from levies on properties. The term rates is often used to include service charges. Rates and service charges are used to fund, or assist with funding, all council activities.

When are my rates due?

The rates financial period is from 1 July-30 June. Rate installments are due on the last Wednesday of every quarter (August, November, February and May).
2007/2008 due dates:

29 August 2007.
28 November 2007.
27 February 2008.
28 May 2008.

How do I pay my rates?

You can pay your rates in person at one of the council offices (by cash, cheque and EFTPOS) or by cheque, direct debit, telephone/internet banking, automatic payment, direct credit or online by credit card.

Rates direct debit form (Three pages 1.03MB PDF)

Online payments

Can I pay without my rates invoice?

Yes, as long as you supply the relevant property address, the ratepayer's name or a rates reference.

Can I get details of rates paid in previous years?

Yes, please contact the council.

My rates are in credit, can I have a refund?

Yes, all applications for refunds must be on the refund form available here or from council offices. Refunds are banked directly into your account on Wednesdays (if your request has been received by 5pm Monday) and Fridays (if your request has been received by 5pm Wednesday).

Rates refund form (One page 10KB PDF)

My rates are in credit, can I use this to pay my other accounts?

Yes, rate refunds can be transferred to pay other accounts, e.g. dog registration. Contact the council for more information.

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How are rates set?

Each year the council produces a Draft Annual Plan that details the proposed level of rates for the next financial year, along with the details of how services will be funded and provided. The public are then invited to make submissions to the council about the plan during the consultation period. The council then considers the submissions it has received and councillors make the final decision on the amount required by the Annual Plan and then formally set the rates. The rates are set in July of the rating year.

How are rates calculated?

Rates are based on a combination of the property’s land value (as assessed by Quotable Value New Zealand Limited) and the characteristics of the property. Every property in the district is allocated to one of four groups called differentials. The four differential groups are:

Group 1 – Commercial/industrial properties.
Group 2 – Residential properties 1ha or less.
Group 3 – Small holdings (1ha to 4ha).
Group 4 – Farmland (greater than 4ha).

Rates include a uniform annual general charge (UAGC).

What are targeted rates?

Targeted rates are fixed charges for water supply, sewage disposal and refuse collection. Only properties that receive these services pay the charges. The council calculates and levies these charges separately from general rates.

What are the rates for Taranaki Regional Council?

The council collects rates on behalf of the Taranaki Regional Council and this is itemised separately on your rates statement.