Rates Rebates
A rates rebate is a partial discount on a rates bill – you pay less for your rates.
If you own your home and on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate.
In 2025|2026, the government may pay up to $805.00 towards your rates under the rates rebate scheme.
You may be eligible if:
- The property you pay rates for must be your usual place of residence
- You must be living in your home on 1 July 2025
- Your name is on the rates bill
The rates rebate will be calculated on your gross income, total rates and the number of dependents living with you as at 1 July 2025.
A quick way to check your eligibility is to visit www.govt.nz/rates-rebates and use the online rebate calculator.
How much can you earn
Eligible households can have income up to $32,210 and get the maximum rebate amount. Households getting more than this may still get a rebate, but it will be less than the full amount.
SuperGold cardholders have a different income limit for the rates rebate.
SuperGold cardholders and their households can have income up to $45000 and get the maximum rebate amount. A couple who only get the superannuation earn around this amount.
You will need to include a copy of your signed SuperGold card with your application.
Application process
If you received a rebate in the previous rating year you will receive a letter from us (in August), to advise that we are now accepting applications for the current rating year.
We encourage you to complete and return the application form to us. Our staff will be available to assist you to ensure all the required information is included in your application.
Applications forms are available from our Council offices or from the Temuka or Geraldine Service Centres, forms can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
Please ensure all sections of the application form have been completed, signed and dated.
Application forms can be dropped in to one of our offices, posted to us or emailed to customer@timdc.govt.nz
| Timaru District Council Offices | 03 687 7200 |
| Geraldine Library Service Centre | 03 693 9336 |
| Temuka Library Service and Information Centre | 03 687 7591 |
Income Declaration
Include all sources of gross income for the tax year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 for you/you and your partner/joint homeowner.
Income Examples
- Wages
- Salary
- Government benefits and payments
- Pensions
- Self-employed income
- Bonuses
- Overseas income
- Interest or dividends
The rates rebate application lists more income sources that you need to consider.
Proof of income is required to be included in your application; this can be obtained from Inland Revenue or Work and Income.
Any rebate entitlement will be deducted from the rates due on the property.
More information is available from the NZ Government website:
Applications close on 30 June 2026 and cannot be accepted after that date.