Property rates

Here are two options for you to find out how much you need to pay.

1. You can create a request to find out your balance and when it is due, and we will let you know. Make sure you include your contact details.
2. If you are a registered online user you can log in and view your rates information. 
   If you are not a registered online user, you can sign up to become one over on this page.

General rates are charged on all rateable properties and are used to fund general activities. Several components determine what the general rates are.

• Land value.
• Land usage (general, commercial).
• Units of Use (fixed amount per separately-used or inhabited part of the property (SUIP)).

Targeted rates are charged to the properties/owners who are in the 'area of benefit' for a particular service or activity. Types of targeted rates are shown below.

Services

• Sewerage
• Water
• Stormwater

Activities

• Bay of Islands Recreation Centre rate
• Hupara Road Sealing rate
• Kaitaia Business District rate
• Paihia Central Business District rate

We collect rates on behalf of the Northland Regional Council and these are detailed on your rates notices. These rates are set by Northland Regional Council.

Rate instalment dates

Property valuations are done every three years. After you receive your new property revaluation you will have a limited time to make an objection to your land or capital value. Visit our property valuations page to find out the latest information.

Council updates the Rating Information Database in May each year with estimated rates for individual properties for the next rating year beginning 1 July. Rates are confirmed and the database is updated again in July.

If you believe your rates are incorrect you can contact Council explaining why and we will review your case. If we have undercharged you, legislation does not enable us to backdate charges. If we have overcharged rates on a property, legislation allows us to correct the error in the current year, and up to five years prior.

The Far North District has a small rating base relative to its area. It has one of the longest roading networks in the country and many small communities without a large commercial centre to fund the needs of the District.

• If you are on a low income, and own and live at your property then you may be eligible for a Department of Internal Affairs' Rates Rebate Scheme.
• If you are over 65, on a low income, and own and live at your property then you may be eligible to apply to postpone your residential rates. For further information read our Residential Rates for Senior Citizens(PDF, 182KB) brochure.
• Contact Council to calculate weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments using our Rates Easy Pay Direct Debit(PDF, 288KB) for your rates or water.

If these options are not available to you and you need help, contact us on 0800 920 029 and ask to speak with our debt management team, to discuss an arrangement to pay all outstanding property rates.

Yes. Please complete the Authority to Act(PDF, 119KB) on behalf and return it to us either by post or email.

We require a Notice of Sale to be sent to Far North District Council's property department from your lawyer, in order to update our database.

Once the titles have been issued by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and subsequent notification received by Council, the separate valuations will be rated from the next rating year beginning 1 July.