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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Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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80.5% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.5% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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54.3% Human-centred experience and communication
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13.8% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
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