Reference

NZ Council Rates by Region 2026

Last updated: May 2026

~$4,000

Typical Annual Residential Rates

Capital Value

Main Basis for Rates

1 July

Rating Year Start

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.

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Approximate 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.

Source: Individual council long-term plans and annual reports (for example, Auckland Council, Wellington City Council, Christchurch City Council). Rates are set each year and confirmed in each council's annual plan; check your council for the exact figure.

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.

Source: govt.nz - Rates rebate and your local council. See also our NZ Property Tax Rules reference.

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