Building a rates relief policy that works for all of us

Rates are essential for funding the services we all rely on. However sometimes, certain properties or households face challenges that make paying them difficult or unfair.

Far North District Council is reviewing its Rates Relief Policy to ensure it is fair, easy to understand, and reflects different circumstances that exist across our district. We are asking for your feedback to help make sure the proposed updated policy works well for everyone.

The policy helps guide when rates can be reduced or postponed. This might apply to whānau experiencing financial hardship, to unused Māori Freehold Land, or to organisations doing good in our communities, like churches and charities.

We are proposing to keep the policy but improve it through a series of mainly administrative and technical changes, such as clearer wording, better definitions, and stronger guidance to help with decision-making.

The draft policy also:

• Recognises the principles of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993
• Reflects the council’s commitment to supporting fairness across all communities

These changes will help ensure the policy is easier to apply and understand, especially for those dealing with hardship or complex land ownership issues.

Head over to our consultation webpage to read the proposed amendments and complete the short survey.