Kaupapa Here Muru me te Whakatārewa Reiti Whenua Māori Māori Land Rates Remission and Postponement Policy

This policy sets out our approach to reduce and postpone rates on Māori freehold land.

Key features of the policy

Under this policy, we can:

• remove all rates for Māori freehold land Land that remains in Māori ownership, legally recognised by the Māori Land Court, often shared by many whānau or hapū and managed under special Māori land laws. that is undeveloped and not being used. Rates will also be reduced or removed on this land while it is being developed
• reduce rates on Māori freehold land while it is being developed
• reduce rates on other Māori land while it is being developed for papakāinga Settlement or village on communal Māori land. or community facilities
• partly reduce rates on Māori freehold land when the rateable value does not reflect how the land is being used
• partly reduce rates on Māori freehold land when it is used to benefit iwi members for non-commercial purposes like not-for-profit health clinics and community and cultural centres
• partly reduce rates for Māori land used for papakāinga 
• remove historic unpaid rates on Māori freehold land if the annual rates are paid for three consecutive years.

The policy may also apply to Māori land not in a Māori freehold land title, where the land has similar characteristics to Māori freehold land.

How to apply for a remission (reduction) under this policy

• You must specify whether you are applying for a remission under part 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the policy.
  Applications should state how the remission fits the requirements of our policy.
• For the rates to be remitted (reduced) we may request evidence each year in the form of a statutory declaration. This confirms that the rating unit still complies with the conditions and criteria of the policy.
• We can apply for a remission on behalf of a ratepayer if their property meets all the criteria.
  We reserve the right to request further information. For example, a Memorial Schedule of Owners, if we think it’s necessary.
• Remissions apply from the beginning of the rating period in which the application is approved and will not be backdated to prior years.

• Residents of papakāinga housing wanting to apply for a remission under part 6 will need to contact their manager to request the required forms.
• Management of papakāinga housing wanting to offer part 6 remissions to their residents should contact us using the details below.

Email your applications or questions to enquiry@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call us on 09 301 0101.

Alternatively, write to us requesting a remission of rates under this policy.

Post your request and supporting documents to:

Auckland Council
Attn: Rates Team
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street
Auckland 1142.