Council rates postponement schemes for older or hardship homeowners
Council Rates Postponement
Paid by Local councils (e.g. Wellington City Council, Auckland Council) · 🇳🇿 New Zealand
What this pays
The published value, how it is calculated, and whether it is cash or a credit ceiling.
Email and a six-digit code, then €50 a year. No password to forget.
Who qualifies
UnlockThe 5 published rules this programme tests you against — age, income, residency, household and the rest.
The steps, documents and official link are part of the paid plan. Checking how much you're owed stays free.
2 documents you'll need
UnlockExactly what to gather before you start, so nothing sends you back to the beginning.
Where this comes from
Councils may allow ratepayers, including older homeowners, to postpone rates with repayment when the property is sold.
https://wellington.govt.nz/property-rates-and-building/rates
Extracted from the official source, not yet re-read by a human.
Verified on 12 August 2026
Source: wellington.govt.nz
Related reading: How to read a grant eligibility rule
Other housing & rent support in New Zealand
7 more programmes are on the paid plan, with the amount, the rules, the documents and the steps for each.
Similar programmes
Rates Rebate Scheme (local council rates relief for low-income homeowners)
Department of Internal Affairs (administered by local councils)
Kāinga Ora Tenant Home Ownership Grant
Kāinga Ora — Homes and Communities
Housing Support Products — bond, rent in advance, rent arrears and moving cost grants
Ministry of Social Development — Work and Income
KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal
Inland Revenue / KiwiSaver providers
Accommodation Supplement (weekly rent/board/mortgage help)
Ministry of Social Development — Work and Income
Kāinga Ora First Home Loan (5% deposit, government-underwritten)
Kāinga Ora — Homes and Communities