Reference
NZ Council Rates by Region 2026
Last updated:
Council rates are the annual charge property owners pay their local council. They are mostly based on a property's rateable value, with each council setting its own rate in the dollar plus fixed and targeted charges, so the bill on a similar home varies a lot by region. The figures below are approximate averages for a typical residential property; check your council for exact figures.
Rates & Insurance Affordability Rates and Water Calculator Home Equity CalculatorApproximate Average Residential Rates (2026)
| Council | Approx. annual rates |
|---|---|
| Auckland | ~$4,500 |
| Wellington City | ~$4,200 |
| Christchurch | ~$3,200 |
| Hamilton | ~$3,500 |
| Tauranga | ~$3,500 |
| Dunedin | ~$3,400 |
These are rough averages for an average-value home and include regional council rates where they apply. Your actual bill depends on your property's capital value and the mix of targeted rates (water, wastewater, transport) your council charges.
How Rates Are Calculated
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Capital value (CV) or land value (LV) | The council's rating valuation of your property, usually updated every 3 years |
| Rate in the dollar | A figure the council multiplies your rateable value by to set the general rate |
| Uniform annual general charge (UAGC) | A fixed amount every property pays regardless of value |
| Targeted rates | Charges for specific services such as water, wastewater, refuse and transport |
A revaluation does not automatically raise everyone's rates: it changes the share each property pays. If your value rises in line with the district average, your rates change with the council's overall rates increase, not your value change. Rates can usually be paid in instalments across the year, and rates rebates are available for lower-income households.