Financial assistance available for ratepayers
In the current period of uncertainty, we appreciate that many Aucklanders are facing financial hardship. The following information outlines some of the financial assistance measures that are available to help ratepayers.
Deferment of rates payment without penalties
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Under normal circumstances if your recent rates invoice was not paid in full by 28 May 2020 a penalty payment would be applied to any outstanding balance. However, if you are experiencing financial difficulties, contact the council to arrange payment by smaller installments, or defer payment of the full amount, until 31 August 2020 without attracting penalties. All registered ratepayers who require financial assistance and support at this time may apply. Here are some examples of how you can demonstrate that you are experiencing financial hardship:
Business ratepayers
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In receipt of government wage subsidy
In receipt of government-guaranteed business loan
Tax payments deferred by IRD
Residential ratepayers
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Is a participant of the mortgage repayment holiday scheme
Has lost their job or had a substantial reduction in income
To apply please go online here or call us on 09 301 0101.
You will need your name, full address of the property for which you are applying and your rates assessment number.
You will not need to upload evidence of your financial hardship in order to apply, but we may request this from you at a later date.
If you pay your rates by direct debit, you can apply to suspend your payments until 31 August 2020.
Please note this deferment scheme:
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is in addition to existing payment plans already offered to ratepayers.
does not include any outstanding payments and penalties incurred prior to 25 March 2020. In addition, the following support is available for residential ratepayers:
Rates postponement policy
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The council has a rates remission and postponement policy allowing residential ratepayers who meet certain criteria to postpone payment of their rates until a specified event such as the sale of their property. Detail on eligibility and conditions available in this document.
Rates rebate scheme
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Rates relief of up to $640 is available for those on incomes below a specified level through the government’s rates rebates scheme. Go here for details of eligibility and conditions.
Accommodation Supplement
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The Accommodation Supplement is the Government’s primary assistance for accommodation costs, including for homeowners seeking help with their rates payments. People do not need to receive a main benefit to be eligible for the accommodation supplement. For information on eligibility and to apply for the accommodation supplement you can contact Work and Income either its website at or call 0800 559 009.
More information
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If you are facing difficulties paying your rates, call us on 09 301 0101 and staff will be happy to provide further information on these options.
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We're talking new year resolutions...
Tidying the house before going to bed each night, meditating upon waking or taking the stairs at work.
What’s something quick, or easy, that you started doing that made a major positive change in your life?
This Story Is Just, Ugh…
I work in a discount store that sells clothes and trinkets that were considered “rejects” on the factory floor but good enough for us to sell at a discount. A new coworker who is still learning English after moving here from Cambodia is helping a customer buy a “Live, Laugh, Love” display made of large solid letters.
Coworker: “I’m sorry, this is damaged. You’ve lost a “la”.”
Customer: “Pardon me?”
Coworker: “It’s supposed to say “Live, laugh, love” but the “la” has fallen off of the laugh. If you like I can get you one that isn’t broken.”
Customer: “Are you kidding?! That’s even better! I wanted it because of that!”
Coworker: “Okay… if you’re sure?”
The customer is even more excited and makes the purchase, leaving my coworker confused. They share their confusion with me.
Me: “One thing you’ll learn about the English language is how much we hate our own phrases and love to subvert them.”
Coworker: “What do you mean?”
Me: “That sign said: “Live, ugh, love.”
Coworker: *Blank look.*
Me: “Trust me, it’s better.”
Riddles to Resolve Your Resolution!
I shave every day, but my beard stays the same.
What am I?
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