Rates Schemes

There are three options available:

Spreading the cost using automatic payments
Postponing your rates
Apply for a reduction in your rates

1. Automatic payment

You can spread your rates payments over the rating year, making regular payments by automatic payment. The automatic payment must be set up to clear the instalment balance by the due date to avoid a late payment penalty. More information about automatic payments. (PDF, 36KB)

2. Postponing your rates

Are you over 65 years old? You can put your annual rates bill on hold for as long as you choose, by joining Council's 'Rates postponement scheme'.

Under this option, over-65s have the option to postpone the payment of all, or a portion of their rates, for a fixed or indefinite period. This is subject to the full cost of postponement being met by the ratepayer (i.e. interest charges and administrative costs) and Council being satisfied the risk of loss in any case is minimal.

How to apply
To be eligible to apply you or your partner must be at least 65 years old. Full information is available in the rates postponement detailed booklet (PDF 95.6KB), which explains the ins and outs' of the scheme and how to apply. Alternatively, you can apply online by clicking here, contact us on 0800 926 732 or email info@westernbay.govt.nz.

3. Applying for a reduction

Some low income ratepayers are eligible for a reduction in their rates, using our Rates Rebate Scheme. This is an option administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and local councils. A predetermined limit to the amount of rates that can be refunded is set each year by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low income homeowners on the cost of their rates. The Government has reviewed the Scheme and further increased the rates rebate thresholds for the 2020-2021 rating year, so more people than ever before will be eligible for the rebate.

Are you eligible?

The following amounts came into effect from 1 July 2022:

The maximum reduction you can get is $700.
The qualifying income threshold is $28,080 (increased from $26,510).
The additional income allowance for dependants will remain at $500 per dependant. This means the income threshold for a full rates reduction for the 2021/2022 year is $28,080 and is increased by $500 for each dependant in the household. For example, if you have 2 children, then you would still be able to get the full rebate of $700 if your income is less than or equal to $28,080.

Exceptions: A reduction might still be available to you even though your income threshold exceeds the qualifying amount. This depends on your rates total and the number of dependants. Example tables and electronic calculator are available on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

How to apply:
You can apply for a reduction from 1 September 2022, when the rates invoices for the 2022/2023 rating year are issued. Applications close on 30 June 2023.

You will need to complete an application form and send it to our Rates Team, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga, 3143.

Rates rebate application form 2022/23 (PDF, 676KB)

*This document is in Adobe Acrobat pdf file format and you will need Adobe PDF Reader to view it. If you don't have this you can download Adobe PDF Reader for free.

You application will include:

Your rates assessment invoice for the current rating year.
Information about what your income (before tax) was for the tax year ended 31 March 2022.
Information about what your partner/joint homeowner's income was if he/she was normally living with you on 1 July 2022.

Schedule of Work and Income benefits for the 2021/22 tax year

Further information about Work and Income benefits and allowances may be found at http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits.

Please note: If you are the owner of an owner-occupier flat and your name is not on the rates bill, you must have a letter from the person whose name is on the rates bill stating what the total rates bill is and how much you pay towards it.

Can people living in retirement villages apply?

From this year, most retirement village residents are able to apply if you do not own your unit, e.g. you hold a licence to occupy agreement. A separate declaration form is required to be filled in by the retirement village operator and must be included with this form for submission. Contact your village operator or local council for more information.

Rates rebate declaration certification - resident of a retirement village unit (printer friendly version) (PDF, 5962KB)

If you are granted a rates rebate Council will reduce your rates by the amount of the rebate.

For more information visit the Department of Internal Affairs website.