Pay Property Rates
There are several ways to pay, allowing you to select the option that best suits. These options are also listed on the back of your rates invoice.
If you’d rather receive your invoice by email in the future, that’s not a problem. In your invoice you will find a unique code (and a link) you can use to sign up online.
Direct Debit
You can also pay by direct debit in annual, quarterly, monthly or fortnightly instalments by arrangement. Please download a direct debit form, or call us on 0508 800 800 to request one.
Send completed form to:
Horizons Regional Council
Private Bag 11025
Manawatū Mail Centre
Palmerston North 4442
OR email your completed form to rates@horizons.govt.nz
Pay at the counter
Payments can be made at any of our offices listed below, using credit card, EFTPOS, or cash.
Participating NZ Post offices can also take payments, excluding credit cards, as long as you take your rates invoice with you.
Palmerston North Regional House
11-15 Victoria Avenue
Palmerston North
Whanganui Regional House
181 Guyton Street
Whanganui
Woodville service centre
corner Vogel (SH2) and Tay Streets
Woodville
For our office opening hours please contact us.
Pay online
Payment can be made by credit card through our online payment portal. Grab your card and valuation number and follow the prompts.
Bill payment
Log in to your Internet Banking. Using the payments section, search for ‘Horizons Regional Council-Rates’ as
the Payee. Use your valuation number as the reference following the instruction prompts. You can also manually type in our account number: 02-0630-0024883-005.
Automatic payment
This option lets you make regular payments of a set amount. Your total rates and when you decide to set this up will determine how much your payments will be. Please note that you must let us know us if you plan to make automatic payments.
Refund Policy
We can only process a refund if your account is in credit or if we can clearly see a payment has been made twice or more in error. To apply for a refund, call our team on 0508 800 800 or email rates@horizons.govt.nz. Please have your valuation number and property address on hand. We may require you to provide additional proof of your bank account number or payment. Once we've received all required details, refunds are then processed within ten working days.
Frequently asked questions
I can't afford to pay my rates - what can I do?
If you’re having difficulty paying your rates, we may be able to enter into a payment arrangement with you. Please contact the Horizons rates team for all payment arrangement options. If your request for a payment arrangement is successful and the payments don’t default, then a remission of penalty can be applied. Please call us on 0508 700 800 for more information.
I can't pay my rates all at once, what can I do?
An option to avoid having to pay all at once, or incur late payment fees, is to set up a payment plan. Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss this option.
Can I get a discount on my rates?
The Government operates a scheme to assist low-income ratepayers with payment of both their regional and city/district council rates. Claims for regional rate rebate are completed through your city or district council. Any regional rebate due will be deducted from your city or district council rates account, not your regional rates account. Application forms and further information can be obtained from www.ratesrebates.govt.nz or from your city or district council.
How can I start a payment arrangement?
Payment arragements can be made by emailing us at rates@horizons.govt.nz or giving our friendly Customer Services team a call on freephone 0508 700 800. Alternatively, you can download and complete a direct debit form from our website and post it to us at the following address:
Horizons Regional Council
Private Bag 11025
Manawatū Mail Centre
Palmerston North 4442
What happens if I don't pay my rates?
All property owners are required by law to pay their rates. The final day for payment for all rates is 26 September 2025. If rates are not paid in full, or a payment arrangement is not in place with Horizons, penalties will be charged on 3 October 2025. Please refer to the back of your rates invoice for more information.
Why have I received separate invoices for each of my properties?
Customers with more than five invoices can request to receive one invoice for all properties, which also means only one payment will need to be made.
How do I sign up to receive my rates invoice electronically?
There is a section on the top right of your invoice with a code and website link. The website link will take you to our provider’s website, where you can sign up to receive your rates notices electronically. Follow the web link and enter your email address as well as the code from your notice. Sending notices via email, rather than via hard copy in the post, helps us create a more sustainable future.
There's a QR code on my invoice – what’s this for?
Scan the QR code on your invoice and you’ll be taken directly to a credit card payment facility to pay your rates. Simply open your phone or tablet’s camera and tap on the link that appears on screen. Enter the appropriate details from your rates notice, ensuring that your valuation number is correct. Press continue and you’ll then be able to enter your credit card details to make the payment. Please note, bank fees may be applicable to online credit card payments.