South Wairarapa District Council will be undertaking a physical review of property information to build on the data provided to us by Quotable Value (QV) in relation to Separately Used or Inhabited Part (SUIPs). This information is a critical tool that Councils use to set rates. 

The review, which is a directive of SWDC’s Strategy Working Committee, acknowledges our ongoing responsibility to ensure accuracy of data, fairness, and equity for ratepayers. It will involve Council staff physically inspecting urban properties in Greytown, Martinborough and Featherston during September and October. This is to make sure that we are using the most accurate information possible when calculating rates. 

What is a SUIP? 
A Separately Used or Inhabitable Part (SUIP), of a property is where a rating unit has more than one use, and/or dwelling. Targeted rates are then applied to each SUIP of the rating unit, attracting a separate fixed charge. These additional dwellings or buildings used for non-residential purposes are those where the parts are self-contained spaces, accessible and usable without common access through the main dwelling. 

The total amount of rates collected by Council is not affected by the number of SUIPs.  
Targeted rates per SUIP allow for a fairer distribution of rates, taking into account the diverse functionalities and independent usage of different parts of a property. 

 
We are doing this because 

• As part of the changes to our rating policies that took effect in the 2024-25 year, some people in our community have informed us that there are inconsistencies in the property information we hold.  
• We’ve taken this feedback on board and are working to identify inconsistencies in our data and assess whether the data fits its intended purpose and reflects whether there are additional SUIPs, or not, on a property.  
• We are taking the opportunity to confirm that we are holding the most recent information on properties in our district to ensure accuracy and fairness for all in terms of the services provided in our communities. 

Process 

• Inspections will commence from the end of September for approximately 4500 urban properties across South Wairarapa.   
• Data collectors will carry photo ID, wear fluorescent coloured vests, be travelling on foot or via a SWDC branded vehicle and be easily identifiable as SWDC staff members. Please say hello if you see them.  
• No photos of people will be taken. Photos will only be taken of a building or structure that has not previously reflected in our records.  
• We expect that for many properties, we can inspect from the street to check the information is accurate. If we need to check your backyard if not viewable from the street, we will knock on your door for permission.  
• If you do not approve of us entering your property, or it’s identified that improvements have been made to your property that are not previously reflected in our records, we will require some additional information from you in the form of a statutory declaration which will be posted to your address following the initial inspection.  
• We are doing this with guidance from QV about the process, however staffing this internally to minimise costs.  

Next steps  
Following the inspections work, our team will update our property records with any new information we receive during the review. We will be working with QV to ensure the information that we utilise moving forward reflects improvements made to properties. 

More information including FAQs can be found here.