Cyclone Gabrielle rates remissions

Council agreed in September 2023 to provide specific rate relief for ratepayers seriously impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, with the aim of alleviating some of the burden some residents are feeling because of damage to properties.

This rate relief is to help ratepayers who were evacuated from their homes and unable to return within a minimum of three months, or ratepayers who had income-generating properties and were unable to generate income from them for at least three months.
 
Remissions are to be applied against rates for the 2023-24 financial year. Remissions can be applied up to 100% of rates and refunded if already invoiced and paid.

Eligibility criteria

• The application must relate to a property in the Horizons Region.
• The requirement for remission is sought for a situation of financial hardship.
• Applicants must be ratepayers who were either evacuated from their homes and unable to return within a minimum of three months, or had income-generating properties and were unable to generate income from them for at least three months, as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.
• Rates relief will be a one-off remission in the 2023-24 financial year.
• Each application will be dealt with on its own merits.
• Council staff may need to check eligibility by visiting properties.
• Council’s Event Team must confirm the property is situated within the evacuated or adversely affected areas.
• Applicants need to declare if they have received financial or other assistance from Task Force Green, Work and Income, or any other organisation in relation to Cyclone Gabrielle.

How to apply

Either rates@horizons.govt.nz with 'Cyclone Gabrielle rates remission' as the subject line, or call free phone 0508 800 800 and ask to be put through to the Rates team.