Additional rates relief for uninhabitable homes
Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office update
We are thinking of those in your community who have been uprooted from their homes and continue to face hardship and uncertainty. Our staff have observed the trauma many of you are feeling, and we recognise it’s really tough right now in Piha.
A number of households are under financial pressure paying mortgages for houses they can’t live in plus additional costs in temporary accommodation.
Auckland Council has made a decision to give 100 per cent rates relief to all those households that are uninhabitable as a result of severe weather events in first half of 2023. For those who require it, the same 100 per cent rates relief will be applied to invoices in the next rating year as well.
What is available for uninhabitable homes?
Red placarded houses
Red placarded houses as at 30 June 2023 will receive 100 per cent rates relief for the full 2023/2024 rating year. A credit will be automatically applied to rates invoices, so you don’t need to do anything.
Yellow placarded houses
Every yellow placarded property has a unique situation and some are habitable while others are not. If your home is uninhabitable, then please apply for rates relief using the online form on our website aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rates-relief. We’ll assess each application based on your personal circumstances.
Supporting homeowners
Feeling overwhelmed? We know an event like this can take its toll. Our Recovery Support Team are ready to offer a helping hand by connecting you with agencies who might be able to offer financial, accommodation, insurance or mental health support. Please email us on recoverywellbeing@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Our staff have been busy behind the scenes engaging with government agencies, insurers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and banks to advocate for increased financial support for displaced homeowners and tenants. You will find an update on what additional support might be available in the Frequently Asked Questions section. Auckland Council will continue to advocate on behalf of Aucklanders displaced by the recent flooding events and will keep you updated on what assistance is available.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Ngā mihi,
Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the council offering rates relief?
We are aware of the financial hardship experienced by many of those impacted by extreme weather events during the first half of 2023. This rates relief is targeted at those people with uninhabitable homes who have been affected most.
Why do yellow stickered households have to apply for rates relief?
Yellow stickered houses include a range of different scenarios that affect liveability depending on the extent and location of damage on the property and the stage of remediation. We need to understand more about your individual situation.
What does uninhabitable mean?
All properties with red stickers on 30 June 2023 are considered uninhabitable.
If your property has another coloured sticker and you believe it is uninhabitable because of the extreme weather events in the first half of 2023, please apply using the online form on our website aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rates-relief and we will assess your situation. All applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
When will my property’s rating valuation be reassessed?
If there has been significant and long-lasting physical damage because of the extreme weather events in the first half of 2023, you can request a rating valuation review. Otherwise, your rating valuation will remain as it is until the next city-wide revaluation which is due for publication late 2024 and will be used to set rates for the 2025/2026 rating year.
I don’t qualify for rates relief and I’m concerned about my ability to pay?
If you are concerned about your ability to pay rates, and would like to find out more about the financial assistance options on offer, such as a payment plan, you can contact our Credit Control team directly on 09 373 6869 or email rates.collections@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Can I provide feedback about my flooding experience and suggest improvements for the future?
Yes, we encourage everyone to have their say to support the recovery of Auckland and help build flood resilience for the future. From 3 August until 31 August 2023 we are running a consultation and we’re keen to hear your feedback. More information can be found here: akhaveyoursay.nz/stormrecovery
Was the council successful in advocating for more financial support for displaced homeowners and tenants?
Yes. During our meetings with banks, they have assured us that they are committed to working with their customers experiencing financial hardship. We urge people to contact their mortgage provider to discuss what support is available.
We encourage residents displaced from their homes to recheck their eligibility for financial assistance through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). You can contact MSD by calling 0800 559 009. You can find out more information on how MSD can support you by visiting workandincome.govt.nz.
From 4 September, those people who left their homes because of extreme weather events earlier this year, will be able to receive interim financial support when their insurance payments for temporary accommodation run out. Find out more here aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rent-assistance or email our team on recoveryadvisors@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Who do I contact if I have more questions that are not answered here?
If you have further questions, please contact our Recovery Office Support team on recoveryadvisors@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Piha residents can also contact piha@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.