FAQs

Rates postponement policies allow ratepayers to defer paying their rates, with the debt being secured against the equity in their property. Postponement can be applied for the remainder of the ratepayer’s life, where they have sufficient equity in their home, although the applicant can repay all or part of the postponed rates at any time.

Rates remission policies allow ratepayers to reduce or cease rate payments in accordance with the specific policy criteria, with no requirement to repay the amount remitted.

Māori Freehold Land (whenua Māori) is a taonga tuku iho (treasure passed down) which is often owned beneficially by multiple owners, which can often be over 100. Council has a rates remission policy for whenua Māori to:

• Recognise that whenua Māori is taonga tuku iho;
• Provide for the fair and equitable collection of rates from whenua Māori;
• Recognise situations where there is no one using or financially benefitting from the land; and
• Recognise and support the relationship with Māori, their culture, and traditions with their ancestral land.

Council is also required by section 102 of the Local Government Act 2002 to adopt a policy on the remission and postponement of rates on Māori freehold land

We need your feedback by 5pm Thursday 21 April 2022. 

Explore this online hub where you can complete our online submission form. . 

Post your feedback to Rates Relief Policies, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143. 

Drop your feedback off at any of our Library and Service Centres in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke or to the main Council Office at Barkes Corner. 

Email your feedback to haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz

Council has a statutory requirement to review rates relief policies at least once every six years, as per section 109 and 110 of the Local Government Act 2002.

Recent changes to the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, through the Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Act 2021, require councils to review their policies on the rating of Māori freehold land before 1 July 2022.

Your feedback is critical in helping Council create rates relief policies which are representative of the needs of the community.

Council will acknowledge in writing or by email (if provided) the receipt of your feedback and all feedback will be considered through Council’s deliberations process. All submitters who provided email or postal details will receive a decision document.