Rates
Rates are essential to keep Waimate district running and are set annually in order to fund the cost of services and facilites provided by Council.
Waimate District rates on capital value and the most recent revaluation was carried out in July 2013.
Search Your Rates
Do you want to know how much your rates are? You can find out by searching your property, either using your address or valuation number.
Need more help?
If you have a query about your rates please call Council on +64 3 689 0000
or email
rates@waimatedc.govt.nz.
Understanding Your Rates
The functions of Council are paid for by your rates as follows:
General Rates
Urban, Rural 1, Rural 2, Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, and Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks.
Charges are based on capital value. The general rate is set on a differential based on where the land is situated and is classified as either Urban, Rural 1, Rural 2, Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, or Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks (see Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-25, Page 187, Rating Boundary Map).
Rates are used for the portion of the Council services of Investment and Finance, Forestry, Community Support, Economic Development, Community Property (except Public Toilets), Strategy, Rural Fire Protection, Building Control, Resource Management and District Planning, Regulatory Services, Dog and Animal Control, Stormwater, Cattle Creek and Hakataramea Water Supply and attributed to the District as a whole, as per Council’s Policy.
Civic Amenities Rate
Urban, Business 1 & Business 2 within the Waimate Township, Rural 1, Rural 2, Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, and Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks.
Charges are based on the number of separately used or inhabited parts of a rating unit (see Council’s Long Term Plan 2015-25, Page 181, Volume 2 for definition of a SUIP).
The civic amenities rate is set on a differential based on where the land is situated and is classified as either Urban, Rural 1, Rural 2, Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, or Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks.
Rates collected are used for that portion of the Council Services of Resource Recovery Park operation, Solid Waste Disposal, Library, Parks & Reserves, Public Toilets, Swimming Pool, Sport and Recreational Spaces, Cemeteries and Community Representation. Business 1 and Business 2 contribute to the Public Toilets only, on a flat rate per business. Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks contribute to Community Representation only, on a Capital Value basis.
Roading & Footpaths Rate
Urban, Rural 1, Rural 2, Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, and Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks
Charges based on Capital Value with a differential applied to the Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers, and Forestry Operators and Forest Blocks. Rates collected are used to pay for the Roading & Footpaths activity.
Civil Defence Rate
Urban, Rural 1, Rural 2, and Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers
Charges are based on Capital Value with a differential applied to Electricity Generators and other Transmission Providers. Rates collected are used to pay for the Civil Defence activity.
Waimate Urban Sewer Charge
Charges are based on the service provided to each rateable property to which a sewer is, or can be (a lesser charge), connected. Additional charges for properties with more than two toilets. Rates collected are used to pay for the Waimate Sewerage Scheme.
St Andrews Sewer Charge
Charges are based on the service provided to applicable rating units within the St Andrews urban area.
Refuse Collection Urban, Rural, Commercial and Riverside
Charges are based on the service provided to properties which have requested refuse bins. This charge is based on whether the property is on the rural or urban collection route. Rates collected are used to pay for collection and disposal of refuse.
Recycling
Charges are based on the service provided to the property, which is either kerbside recycling collection or alternatively serviced with 8 recycling drop off points in the rural area. Rates collected are used to pay for the collection, sorting and disposal of recyclable materials throughout the Waimate District.
Urban Water Charges
Charges based on the service provided to each rateable property to which an urban water connection is, or can be (a lesser charge), connected. An additional charge may be invoiced for properties with extraordinary usage, monitored by water meter.
Rural Water Charges
Rural Water Schemes (except Downlands) are charged per litreage capable of being supplied. Downlands Water Scheme (administered by Timaru District Council) has separate charges for Urban Domestic, School, Extraordinary Usage, Rural Service, Point Charge, to pay for water Scheme costs.
Community Centre/Hall Charges
Charges based on the number of separately used or inhabited parts of a rating unit within a Community Centre district, to pay for costs of the Community Centre.
Waimate District Community Complex Rate
Charges are based on the number of separately used or inhabited parts of a rating unit to pay for the costs of investigation and/or refurbishment of the existing Stadium and fully funds principal and interest repayment on borrowings on any refurbishment of the existing Stadium.
Inspection of Rating Information Database (RID) and Rates Records
Ratepayers may inspect Councils RID at Council’s Office, Local Government Centre, Queen Street, Waimate during office hours. A computer terminal is available for public access at the Library.
Objection
Ratepayers may object to any of the information included in the RID and Rates Record using the provisions of S29 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.
Withhold Information
Ratepayers may have their name and/or postal address withheld from the RID viewable at the offices of the Waimate District Council using the provisions of S28C of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.
Rates Remission Policy
Council has a policy for Remission of Rates. For more detailed information please contact Council on +64 3 689 0000.
Rates Relief Policy for Maori Freehold Land
Waimate District Council’s Rates Relief Policy for Maori Freehold Land provides for no rates relief for Maori Freehold Land.
Rate Payment Methods
Rate Payments may be made in cash, cheque or eftpos during the hours of 8am-4.30pm Monday-Friday (except public holidays) at Waimate District Council Office, 125 Queen Street, Waimate or by electronic payment to ANZ Waimate Account 01-0893-0005000-00.
Please ensure you quote your Rates Assessment number as the reference when paying by any form of electronic payment. Payments by cheque may be made to the Waimate District Council, PO Box 122, Waimate 7960. Post-dated cheques are acceptable.
Only monies actually received in the offices of the Waimate District Council by 4.30pm will be accepted as paid by the due date. Late payment of this invoice due to delays in the mail service are not the responsibility of Council.
Penalties
Penalty Current Rates
A penalty of 10% will be added to each instalment or any portion of it not paid on or before the due date.
Additional Charges
An additional penalty charge of 10% will be incurred on rates remaining unpaid as at the following 1 January, and further charges of 10% will be incurred at 6 monthly intervals thereafter on the balance of rates owing from previous rating years.
Goods and Services Tax
Penalties on rates do not attract GST due to a ruling by the Inland Revenue Department. For this reason, all rates are GST inclusive except for penalties applied.
Relevant Links
Property Sales
If you have sold your property and the invoice is still in your name, it would indicate that the notice of sale has not been received by Council. It is the responsibility of your solicitor to ensure that notice of sale is given and you should contact your solicitor immediately. Payment of this year's rates is your responsibility although you may be entitled to reimbursement from the new owner for their period of occupation.
Rates Instalment Dates
The rating year begins on 1st July and ends on 30th June. The rating year is divided into four equal instalments, each invoiced separately. With your first invoice for the year, you will receive a Rates Assessment Notice (July). It provides a breakdown of the rates levied for the current rating year.
| Instalment | Period Covered | Instalment Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Instalment 1 | 1 July to 30 September | Last Friday of August |
| Instalment 2 | 1 October to 31 December | Last Friday of November |
| Instalment 3 | 1 January to 31 March | Last Friday of February |
| Instalment 4 | 1 April to 30 June | Last Friday of May |
Payment Options
There are various methods available for paying rates.
Cash, eftpos or cheque payments.
Cash, Eftpos or cheque payments can be made at the Waimate District Council office, 125 Queen Street, Waimate between 8am and 4.30pm weekdays (except public holidays). Cheques can also be addressed to: P O Box 122, Waimate 7960. Post-dated cheques are acceptable.
Rates Easypay
By completing a single form we are able to load all of your individually rated properties into our system. There are four options:
- Weekly
- Fortnightly
- Monthly
- Quarterly
Monthly payments
On or around the 20th of every month the monthly apportionment of your annual rates balance will be automatically deducted from your nominated bank account.
Quarterly payments
On the due date of every quarter, the balance owing will be automatically deducted form your nominated bank account.
This is a very low risk method of payment and will ensure that your rating account(s) will not attract any penalties for late payment. You will still have full control over your rate account(s) and if you have any queries don't hesitate to contact us.
Either call at our offices or download a form now.
Rates Direct Debit Application Form
Automatic Payments/Online Banking/Telephone Banking
These methods of payment enable you to pay your rates from the comfort of your home.
Waimate District Council's Bank Account Details:
ANZ 01-0893-0005000-00
If you wish to pay your rates using any of these methods you are able to do so, however you must set up individual payments for each separate valuation number.
To use any of the above options please use the following references for each property you pay in this manner:
1st Reference: Valuation Number (eg 26120 99990)
2nd Reference: Surname
You need to re-assess your automatic payments every year on the 1st instalment of rates (July), to ensure your payment is sufficient to cover the annual rates.
These payments are under your control and you may need to advise your bank to make any necessary adjustment to your payment.
All the above options are designed to make it easier for you to keep control of your rates payments and to avoid queues, postage or penalties. For further information please contact rates@waimatedc.govt.nz
Penalties
Penalty Current Rates
A penalty of 10% will be added to each installment or any portion of it not paid on or before the due date.
Additional Charges
An additional penalty charge of 10% will be incurred on rates remaining unpaid as at the following 1 January, and further charges of 10% will be incurred at 6 monthly intervals thereafter on the balance of rates owing from previous rating years.
Goods and Services Tax
Penalties on rates do not attract GST due to a ruling by the Inland Revenue Department. For this reason, all rates are GST inclusive except for penalties applied.
Arrears
Rates are a charge on the land, therefore liability for the payment of arrears of rates transfers to the new owner of the property. If you have recently purchased this property and arrears appear on the rates invoice even if you feel they are the responsibility of the previous owner, it is very much in your interest to ensure they are paid immediately. Please either contact the previous owner or advise your solicitor.
Only monies actually received in the office of the Waimate District Council by 4.30pm will be accepted as paid by the due date. Late payment of this invoice due to delays in the mail service are not the responsibility of the Council.
Rates Rebates
The Rates Rebate Scheme operates under the Rates Rebate Act 1973.
More detailed information, including scheme requirements, eligibility criteria and income eligibility table can be found here.
The purpose of the Scheme is to provide a subsidy to low income home owners on the costs of their rates.
In order to be eligible you must meet the Scheme's requirements:
- You must be the legal Ratepayer for the property that was your home on 1 July.
- Ratepayers need to apply each year, within the applicable rating year.
- You must declare and provide satisfactory proof of your income (if you are living with a partner or joint home owner their income must also be included).
The amount of Rebate that you receive depends on your and your Partner/joint homeowners total income, how much your rates are and whether you have any dependents. Ratepayers who are eligible for a Rates Rebate will have the Rebate credited to their Rates Account.
Please call the Rates Rebate Officer directly on +64 3 689 0036 to discuss your possible eligibility and/ or to make an appointment to assist in completing your Rates Rebate Application.
Environment Canterbury Regional Council Rate
Environment Canterbury Regional Council rates are collected by Waimate District Council. If you have any queries regarding the Environment Canterbury Regional Council rate or services please call Council on +64 3 689 0000 or email council@waimatedc.govt.nz