Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Local Government
11 January 2008 Media Statement
Rates rebates winner for Kiwi households: Mahuta
New Zealanders are better off under the enhanced rates rebate scheme, Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said
today.
Some $40 million has been paid out in rates rebates to 88,900 households so far, compared with nearly $50 million for
the whole of 2006-2007.
Households are now getting, on average, a rates rebate of $449, which is more than twice the $165 they would have
received before changes to the scheme came into effect on 1 July 2006.
"The improved rates rebates scheme has been very successful, and it is making a real difference for many New Zealand
households. Before the changes were made, some 4200 households received around $700,000 in rates rebates in the 2005-06
rating year,” said Nanaia Mahuta.
“The changes made by the Labour led-government meant that in 2006-07 more than 111,700 households benefited through
$49.99 million being paid out in rates rebates.”
The key changes made to the rates rebates scheme in July 2006 included an increase in the maximum rebate from $200 to
$500, a greater increase in the income threshold allowing more people to be eligible for a full rebate, and an increase
in the additional income allowance for each dependent, from $156 to $500.
“The Labour-led government is committed to ensuring that we deliver greater benefits to ratepayers. Targeted assistance
in areas of need can have widespread benefit. We have done this in a number of other areas, including Environment
protection, Culture and Recreation, and Roading.”
"I would encourage all those who think they may be eligible for a rates rebate and haven't yet applied to check with
their local council," Nanaia Mahuta said.
Application forms are available from local councils and on the rates rebates website: www.ratesrebates.govt.nz.
ENDS