Residential ratepayers on low incomes may be eligible for a rates rebate.
The rates rebate can be up to $805 for the current rating year. Applications are only accepted for the current rating year.
The rates rebate process and eligibility requirements are managed by the Department of Internal Affairs. We assess and approve rates rebate applications on their behalf.
Check if you are eligible for a rates rebate
Your eligibility and the amount of the rates rebate depends on:
- The total amount of rates you pay
- How many dependants live with you
- Your total household income before tax
- The ownership of your property
- Your living situation
- If you are a SuperGold cardholder.
The rates rebate is for residential ratepayers on low incomes. However, you still may qualify for a rates rebate if you have a higher income and you have dependants, if you are a SuperGold cardholder, or if your rates are high.
Check if you are eligible for a rates rebate by visiting the New Zealand Government website (link to external website, new window) and using the rates rebate calculator.
Apply for your rates rebate
You need to apply by 30 June 2026 for the 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026 rating year.
Download the rates rebate application form from the New Zealand Government website.
Information you need to provide with your completed application form
Completed rates rebate application form
Proof of income
A copy of one of the following forms will be accepted:
- Income confirmation from Work and Income or IRD
- Investment earnings statement/RWT Certificate
- Statement of earnings from employer.
Or if you are self-employed a copy of one of the following forms will be accepted:
- A copy of the complete set of financial accounts
- IR3B or IR10 form as provided to IRD.
Proof of SuperGold Card
If you have a SuperGold card, you may be eligible to receive a higher rebate.
- Provide a copy of your signed SuperGold card.
Submit your completed application
Completed applications can be delivered by:
| as a PDF to dcc@dcc.govt.nz | |
| Post | Dunedin City Council, PO Box 5045, Dunedin 9054 |
| In person | Drop your completed application form and supporting documents to Customer Services on the Ground Floor, Civic Centre, 50 The Octagon, Dunedin or one of our other customer service centres. |
After you have applied
We will assess your application and let you know if it has been approved within eight weeks of receiving it.
Please note that processing times will be longer at the beginning and end of the rating year due to a higher volume of applications during these times.
Do you live in a retirement village?
Retirement village residents can also apply for a rate rebate.
A 2025/2026 declaration form is required to be filled in by the retirement village operator. They will give this form to you to complete and sign and attach to your rate rebate application.
Confirmation of your bank account such as a deposit slip must be attached to your retirement village declaration form, as your rates rebate will be paid into your bank account – payment will not be credited to the rate account (i.e., the retirement village itself).
Contact your retirement village for more information and declaration forms.