Rates

If you would prefer to speak directly to us, please email rates@swdc.govt.nz or phone 06 306 9611. Option 0 will put you through to the operator, who can direct your call to the rates staff.

We encourage you to get your rates invoice by email, which saves the district on postage costs. To set this up please contact rates@swdc.govt.nz.

Quick links

Direct debit authority
2023/24 rates rebate application form
Penalty remission application form
2023/24 AP Rates Resolution
Community Focus newsletter

What are rates?

Rates are a legislated charge against your property and are set by your district’s local and regional councils. Rates are reassessed for every urban household, lifestyle unit, commercial/industrial, and rural property each year and are payable to your local council. They are charged quarterly and can be paid annually, quarterly, monthly, fortnightly, or weekly.

How are they calculated?

Each year through the Long Term Plan or Annual Plan process, the Council determines how much it needs to collect in rates, in order to deliver all services and activities for that year.

See the Annual Plan 2023/24 rates resolution and Annual Plan FAQs for more information on how rates are calculated.

How do I estimate my next year’s rates?

Use the Rates Estimator tool

When are my rates due?

Quarterly instalments are due each year on:

20 August
20 November
20 February
20 May

How do I pay my rates?

Online via our website with a credit card – Pay Online
Direct debit (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly) set up through the Council – direct debit form
Direct credit by phone or internet banking
Cash or Eftpos at the Council office, 19 Kitchener Street, Martinborough
Cash or Eftpos at the Greytown & Featherston Libraries
Cash or Eftpos at the Greater Wellington Regional Council Offices: 35-37 Chapel St, Masterton and Shed 39, Harbour Quays, Wellington
Automatic payment set up either directly through your bank or via internet banking. This must be monitored and maintained by the ratepayer.

Having trouble paying your rates?

We are here to help. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you on a payment plan. Payments can be made at a level that you are comfortable with without incurring any penalties or additional costs.

Can I get a rates rebate?

The Department of Internal Affairs facilitates a rates rebate scheme that allows for an annual contribution of up to $750 towards the cost of rates for those on benefits or low household incomes. The scheme is administered by Department of internal Affairs.

There are three factors that determine a person’s eligibility:

House ownership – legal ratepayer as recorded on the council Rating information Database (RID)
Level of income
Level of rates

If you’re eligible, please fill out the rebate form.

Rates Remissions

Council provides various types of rates remission. The conditions and criteria relating to each type of remission is set out in the Remission of Rates Policy. All other applications should be made in writing to the General Manager – Finance

Rates Postponement

Ratepayers who are experiencing extreme financial circumstances that affect their ability to pay rates are eligible to apply for postponement of rates. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, as long as the ratepayer:

is the current owner of the unit;
has owned or lived on the property, or within South Wairarapa, for five or more years;
uses the unit solely for residential purposes and is living on the unit; and
does not own any other rating units or investment properties, whether in South Wairarapa or any other district.

See the Rates Postponement policy for more information or by email rates@swdc.govt.nz.