To be eligible for a rates rebate:

• the property you pay rates for must be your usual place of residence
• you must be living in your own home on 1 July 2025
• you’re listed as your property’s ratepayer on your local council’s rating information database (RID) — or one of the other types of property ownership and living situations applies to you.

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. The maximum allowable rates rebate has increased to $805

SuperGold cardholders and their households can have income up to $45,000 and get the maximum rebate amount ($805). A couple who only get NZ superannuation earn around this amount.

This is the first time SuperGold cardholders have a different income limit for the rates rebate.

Cardholders with households whose income is more than $45,000 may still get a rebate but it will be less than the full amount.

You need a copy of your signed SuperGold card with your application.

SuperGold cards

• a copy of your 2025/26 Matamata-Piako District Council rates account (available from August 2025)
• a copy of your 2025/26 Waikato Regional Council rates account (available from September 2025) Alternatively you can visit the Waikato Regional Council Website or call 0800 800 401 
• proof of income certificates for the 2024/2025 year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 for yourself and any spouse/partner or joint home owner who lives in the dwelling with you:
  • from Inland Revenue. You can get an income summary by logging into Inland Revenue (IR).

    You can also contact IR’s self-service number (NZ only). 

  • from Work and Income. You can ask your case manager to give you a letter showing your income. Call Work and Income on 0800 559 009 (NZ only).
  • if you're self-employed you'll need to provide a copy of your complete set of financial accounts - IR3B or IR10. These forms can be found on the Inland Revenue website.
• a copy of any certificates stating interest earned on investments to 31 March 2025
• if you have withdrawn any funds from your Kiwisaver/PIE between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 any interest received must be declared. (Your Kiwisaver provider can provide you with details of interest earned)
• retirement villages – please ask your village to fill in and sign the declaration certificate
• your SuperGold card (if applicable).

Residents of retirement villages can also apply for a rates rebate. If you live in a retirement village, your village manager must complete and sign a declaration certificate.

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