Financial assistance available for ratepayers
In the current period of uncertainty, we appreciate that many Aucklanders are facing financial hardship. The following information outlines some of the financial assistance measures that are available to help ratepayers.
Deferment of rates payment without penalties
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Under normal circumstances if your recent rates invoice was not paid in full by 28 May 2020 a penalty payment would be applied to any outstanding balance. However, if you are experiencing financial difficulties, contact the council to arrange payment by smaller installments, or defer payment of the full amount, until 31 August 2020 without attracting penalties. All registered ratepayers who require financial assistance and support at this time may apply. Here are some examples of how you can demonstrate that you are experiencing financial hardship:
Business ratepayers
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In receipt of government wage subsidy
In receipt of government-guaranteed business loan
Tax payments deferred by IRD
Residential ratepayers
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Is a participant of the mortgage repayment holiday scheme
Has lost their job or had a substantial reduction in income
To apply please go online here or call us on 09 301 0101.
You will need your name, full address of the property for which you are applying and your rates assessment number.
You will not need to upload evidence of your financial hardship in order to apply, but we may request this from you at a later date.
If you pay your rates by direct debit, you can apply to suspend your payments until 31 August 2020.
Please note this deferment scheme:
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is in addition to existing payment plans already offered to ratepayers.
does not include any outstanding payments and penalties incurred prior to 25 March 2020. In addition, the following support is available for residential ratepayers:
Rates postponement policy
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The council has a rates remission and postponement policy allowing residential ratepayers who meet certain criteria to postpone payment of their rates until a specified event such as the sale of their property. Detail on eligibility and conditions available in this document.
Rates rebate scheme
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Rates relief of up to $640 is available for those on incomes below a specified level through the government’s rates rebates scheme. Go here for details of eligibility and conditions.
Accommodation Supplement
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The Accommodation Supplement is the Government’s primary assistance for accommodation costs, including for homeowners seeking help with their rates payments. People do not need to receive a main benefit to be eligible for the accommodation supplement. For information on eligibility and to apply for the accommodation supplement you can contact Work and Income either its website at or call 0800 559 009.
More information
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If you are facing difficulties paying your rates, call us on 09 301 0101 and staff will be happy to provide further information on these options.
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.4% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.6% Keep it as is
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32.6% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.9% Anything but fireworks
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0.5% Other - I'll share below
Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!
With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Fire at New Lynn mosque
Firefighters were called to a blaze at an Auckland mosque this afternoon.
What you need to know:
- Fire crews were notified of a blaze in the New Lynn Imam Reza Mosque on Tuesday at 9.43am.
- The blaze was said to be on the ground floor of the two-storey building.
- A back window of the mosque was also found smashed this morning.
- The fire was said to be so intense that plastic chairs had melted in the blaze.
Three fire crews were at the address and have since left the scene. A fire investigator remains at the address
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