Every property owner in the Region contributes to the work of Horizons Regional Council through their rates. Those rates allow us to manage the Region’s natural resources now and into the future. Invoices arrive in your mailbox in August each year and payment is due on or before Friday 24 September.
Your 2010-11 Rates explained
For more information about rates see our frequently asked questions.
This year we continue the work set out in our Long Term Council Community Plan 2009 - 19 (Community Plan) as well as start on some new innovative projects. We are planning to spend $43.6 million of operating expenditure across the Region in 2010-11 compared to $41.7 million in 2009-10. In addition we are spending a further $9.9 million on capital projects ($12.0 million 2009-10).
Where will this money be spent?
We remain committed to our core business:
Our Your Rates Explained brochure offers a more detailed explanation of how every $100 of rates paid to Horizons will be spent.
About your rates invoice
As a Regional Council we are a completely separate organisation to your city/district council. City and district councils provide a range of essential community services in your area, whereas we manage natural resources such as land, water quality, coastal and habitat protection, flood protection, Biosecurity, public transport and regional emergency management.
Everyone who owns a property in the Horizons Region will receive a rates invoice from us. Our Region covers Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Tararua, Manawatu and parts of Taupo, Stratford and Waitomo districts.
We have been allocated specific responsibilities by central government and operate within strict legislative guidelines. We also actively consult with our communities to ensure that ratepayers’ wishes form part of plans. We take consultation seriously and operate a very transparent form of governance.
Types of rates
Biodiversity rates are for an activity or project that benefits a particular group of ratepayers (e.g. pest plant and pest animal control).
Environment rates are a fixed rate applied to ratepayers who benefit from a specific type of work (e.g. SLUI and environment initiatives).
Transport rates go towards land transport planning and road safety, public transport and Total Mobility services. Urban properties receive the most benefit from passenger services and this is reflected in their rates.
River and drainage scheme rates vary according to the benefit received from flood protection facilities (e.g. stopbanks, pump stations and drainage systems).
General rates fund a large range of activities from which every ratepayer may benefit and are based on the property’s capital value
AHB Tb vector levy rate is collected on behalf of the Animal Health Board (AHB) for Tb vector control in the Region.
Prompt Payment discount
Payments received in full on or before Friday 24 September 2010 will be entitled to a 3% discount. Payments can still be made in instalments up to this date but the invoice must be paid in full by 24 September to be eligible for the discount.
Rates remissions
All remissions are subject to conditions and criteria so for more information, or to find out if you qualify, please contact us for a copy of our full rates remissions policy.
To apply for a remission please download, print and complete the appropriate form and send to us.
Application for remission of rate penalties
Application for contiguous properties
Application for remission for non profit organisation
More information on our rates remission policies
Rates refunds
The council will refund overpaid rates, where credit exists after allowing for the current installment, and an application is made in writing.
The council will also refund rates that have been paid in error, for example where there has been a change of ownership and automatic payments by the previous owner have not been cancelled (proof of payment must be provided i.e. bank statement).
An application for refund needs to identify the property, specify the amount to be refunded and provide the correct instructions for a cheque refund to be issued.
Please contact us if you have any queries.
Rates Rebate Scheme – Residential Properties
The Government operates a scheme to assist low income ratepayers with payment of their rates. If you are a residential ratepayer and your income for the year ended 31 March 2009 was $22,340 (plus $500 per dependent) or less you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $570. If your income was more than $22,340 you may qualify for a reduced rebate. This scheme is administrated by your local District Council. Application forms and further information is available at www.ratesrebates.govt.nz or your local District Council.
View the Rating Information Database.