The rates couldn’t be finalised until the Long Term Plan was adopted. The Long Term Plan was delayed as a result of changes made around Three Waters by the coalition government. 

The due date for the first rates instalment is delayed by one month to Friday, 20 September.

The due date for the second rates instalment will be Friday, 20 November – which is when the second instalment is normally due. 

The late payment penalty date for the first instalment is Wednesday, 25 September. 

We recognise that some people in our community are struggling with cost of living increases. If you think you might need some help, please contact us so we can work through options with you. For example, you might qualify for a discount on your rates of up to $790 through the Department of Internal Affairs.

Some councils adopted their Long Term Plans by 30 June and issued rates invoices in line with usual timeframes. Mostly these are bigger councils that were able to work on two separate Long Term Plans, factoring in both water reform scenarios (one with and one without Three Waters budgets). There are also councils that will invoice two larger instalments for the year, rather than four, due to the delays. Some councils have done a less intensive annual plan this year instead of a Long Term Plan, which was an option provided by central government. 

The average rates increase is 15 percent (net of growth), with about 12 percent of this increase due to inflation and compliance costs. Please note that this is an average – there will be variances between individual properties.

If your rates are paid by regular direct debit (whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly) you don’t need to take any action to make sure your rates are paid by the due date in September. We’ve recalculated the amount of your direct debit to ensure that your rates for the year are paid in full by 9 June 2025. We’ll advise you if any change to your direct debit amount is required before it takes effect. This annual direct debit recalculation usually takes place in July each year, but is also delayed because of the Long Term Plan adoption. 

We strongly encourage you to keep paying your regular automatic payment, as the second instalment is due as it normally is in the third week of November. This means there is only two months between the first and second instalment due dates, rather than three months, and you will need to keep making payments to meet the due date. 

The way you receive your rates notice will be unchanged – either via email or post. 

Only the first rates instalment is later than usual, the other three instalments will run as scheduled. 

Please contact us  - we're here to help.