More than 100,000 households have already claimed relief through the Rates Rebate scheme in 2026.
From 1 July, the maximum rebate rises from $805 to $830. SuperGold Cardholders see their income abatement threshold climb from $45,000 to $46,400, while other ratepayers get a bump from $32,210 to $33,210.
For a typical household without a SuperGold Card facing $2,000 annual rates, rebates remain available up to $42,026 in yearly earnings.
Households living solely on NZ Super—without extra income—and facing rates bills of $2,000 or more will qualify for the full rebate.
The Department of Internal Affairs said it had refunded councils for 105,698 rate rebate claims in the current 2025/26 rating year, covering the period from July last year to March this year.
This is slightly higher than the 104,344 claims refunded in the previous full year.
“We know the cost of living is putting immense pressure on Kiwis, with rising rates adding a further burden to household budgets,” Local Government Minister Simon Watts said.
“The government is committed to easing cost-of-living pressures for Kiwis. By making increases to the Rates Rebate Scheme, we are delivering targeted support to low-income ratepayers in need of assistance with paying their rates bill.”
Wellington City Council said it had processed 2,223 rates rebate applications so far this year and currently had 244 active payment arrangements in place.
Hamilton City Council said it had approved 2,908 applications this year, up from 2,697 across the entire previous year. It had also approved a further 509 applications under its own council support scheme.
Auckland Council said it had approved 14,500 applications so far this year, compared with 14,800 during the last full year and 16,000 the year before. The council also had 1,508 active payment plans in place.