Thank you to those who provided feedback on the draft Rates Remission and Postponement Policy.

Consultation was open from 16 March to 19 April 2026. Submissions were considered by Council on 13 May 2026.

Council has adopted the Policy without change.

The review included updates to reflect legislative changes, particularly in relation to small additional dwellings (granny flats). This includes a new remission allowing the additional kerbside targeted rate to be removed where no extra refuse or recycling bins are requested.

Feedback received mainly raised minor clarification points, and no changes were required as a result.

The Policy will come into effect from 1 July 2026. For more detail, you can view the Council meeting minutes, hearing documents and reports that informed these decisions on our website.

And you can read below to see what was originally proposed.

Rates Remission and Postponement Policy

What is this about? 

The Rates Remission and Postponement Policy explains when and how Council can reduce, waive, or delay payment of rates in specific circumstances. The Policy helps ensure our rating system is fair, consistent, and responsive to community needs. 

Why is this being reviewed? 

We regularly review this Policy to ensure it remains clear, up to date, and aligned with current legislation. 

Recent national changes to the rules for granny flats/small standalone dwellings mean we need to update the Policy to clarify how rates apply in these situations. 

What’s proposed? 

We’re proposing a small number of targeted changes, including: 

• Changes to reflect new legislation for granny flats, including a new remission so that if no extra refuse or recycling bins are requested for a small additional dwelling, the extra kerbside targeted rate can be removed.
• Adding a new Purpose and Scope section to give readers clearer context about how the Policy works.
• Allowing staff limited discretion to remit rates penalties in exceptional or compassionate circumstances. This brings us in line with many other councils and makes the Policy easier to apply in real‑world situations.
• Updating the threshold for remitting rates on very low‑value properties (typically small, unused utility parcels) to reflect current property values. The proposed thresholds are a capital value under $6,000 (currently $3,000) or a land value under $1,000 (currently $500).
• Including notes about the transition to Waikato Waters Limited, to clarify how rates remission provisions apply during the changeover period. You can read more about Waikato Waters at www.waikatowaters.co.nz

What might this proposal mean for you? 

Homeowners with a granny flat/secondary unit: guidance on when relief for the kerbside targeted rate may be available.  

What do you think?

Feedback for this consultation closed on 19 April 2026