Rates Rebate Policy win for SuperGold Card

For years Grey Power has been urging government to review the rates rebate scheme, especially as so many Councils have increased rates well beyond the CPI year on year. We have argued that the Rates Rebate be increased more than the CPI each year to better reflect the higher rate of annual increase faced by ratepayers. Too date we have been unsuccessful, but our arguments for the income threshold to qualify for a Rates Rebate be lifted from the single NZS annual income to that of the married rate was announced in the recent budget for all SuperGold Card holders. The change, which takes effect from July 1, 2025, will mean SuperGold households with rates higher than $2000,and income of up to $45,000, will be eligible for the maximum rates rebate. The current income threshold has been $31,510.

This will provide much needed relief to many retirees afraid that they can no longer afford to stay in their homes due to escalating rate increases. Longer-term there are hints that Government may act to ensure rate increases are capped and not allowed to run out of control