Rates rebate scheme information

You could get a rates reduction as part of the government's rate rebate scheme, which provides rates assistance to low-income earners. The rates rebate scheme is run by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Rates Rebate Scheme provides a rebate of up to $830 for low income earners who were paying rates for the home in which they were living on 1 July 2026.

Click on the questions below to find out if you qualify and how to apply for a rates rebate.

Please make sure you bring all documents with you when you apply for a rates rebate.

Who qualifies for a rates rebate?

You may qualify if you:

  • Earn up to $46,400 a year (SuperGold Cardholders) or up to $33,210 a year (Non-SuperGold Cardholders)
  • the property you pay rates for must be your usual place of residence
  • you must be living in your own home on 
  • you’re listed as your property’s ratepayer on the council’s rating information database (RID) (the Council's record of information about your property which is used to set and assess rates)

You cannot get a rebate for your property if you:

  • do not usually live there
  • use your property mainly for commercial activities — for example, farming or business, or as a rental property or holiday home
  • own more than 1 property — you cannot claim for other properties even if they’re in a different council area.

How do I apply?

  1. Pick up an apllication form at any of our library and service centres . Or if you have access to the internet a form can be downloaded from DIA Rates Rebate website.
  2. Make sure you have all your documents (see the list under what information do I need to have to apply) and the application form has been filled out
  3. Apply for your rebate at any of our Service Centres:

    4. Rolleston - Selwyn District Council Offices
    2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston (No appointment necessary) Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm

    To apply at any Selwyn Library & Service Centre listed below please contact us to make an appointment.

    Darfield Library & Service Centre
    Phone 03 318 7780 to book an appointment
    Mondays 10am - 12 noon
    Thursdays 1 - 3pm

    Leeston Library & Service Centre
    Phone 03 347 2871 to book an appointment and check days
    Mondays 2 - 3pm
    Fridays 11am - 12 noon

    Lincoln Library & Service Centre
    Phone 03 347 2876 to book an appointment
    Tuesdays 1 - 3pm
    Thursdays 12.30-2.30pm

    Te Ara Ātea
    Phone 03 347 2880 to book an appointment
    Wednesdays 10am–12pm
    Thursdays 1–3pm

What information do I need to have to apply?

When applying please bring with you:

  • A completed Rates Rebate Application Form
  • Statements of all types of income received for the tax year (dates shown on part 4 of the application form) for you and your partner/joint homeowner, for example:
    • Wages or salary
    • Work and income benefit (for non-standard benefits)
    • Work and income supplements (accommodation supplement)
    • Personal superannuation
    • Interest/dividends
    • Overseas income (converted to NZ dollars)
    • Rental income
    • Trust income
    • ACC earnings compensation
    • Any other income

    • If you are self-employed provide a complete set of business accounts (tax year dates are shown on part 4 of the application form) which shows how your net profit was calculated (gross income less your expenses).

    You do not need to provide evidence of your NZ Superannuation if your NZ Superannuation is as per below:

    Single living alone$32,611.28
    Single sharing$29,993.60
    Couple (only one qualifies)$24,776.44
    Couple (both qualify)$49,552.88

    You have until 30 June 2027 to apply for the 2026/27 rebate.

If you live a retirement village

Most retirement village residents, including people who live under a ‘licence to occupy’ (LTO) agreement, can apply for a rates rebate.

However, you will need to fill out an additional form, along with your rates rebate application. Please also complete the: