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.
See below for how to pay your rates online.
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. 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
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. This can be done either 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.
For more detailed information, see our Rates factsheet.
How do I estimate my next year’s rates?
How can I search rates for a property?
Do a rates search to find out the annual rates and property information for a property in the District.
You can also see:
- The 2022/23 Rates Resolution
- You can apply for a direct debit, rates rebate, or a penalty remission application using these forms
- Copy of the South Wairarapa 2014 valuations by street address or by Valuation Number
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?
- Pay Online
- Direct debit (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly) set up through the Council
- 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.
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 $700 towards the cost of rates for those on benefits or low household incomes. The scheme is administered by Council.
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 Rates Rebate form.
Rates Remissions
Council provides for 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 Group Manager Corporate Support.
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.
More information about the Rates Postponement policy is available either on our website, or by emailing rates@swdc.govt.nz
Historical Rating Resolutions
2021/22 Rates Resolution Insert B, 2020 21 Rates Insert Part B, 2020/21, 2019/20, 2018/2019, 2017/2018, 2016/2017, 2015/2016, 2015/2016 reset, 2014/2015 , 2013/2014
