Your rates: what you need to know

Frequently asked questions: Answers to some questions about your rates that are coming out in the post this week.

From City Scene, published on 26 July, 2009.

You may have some questions about your rates that are coming out in the post this week. Read on to find the answers to some frequently asked questions...

When will my rates bill be coming out?

Your rates bill is being delivered from 28 to 30 July. You will be able to register to receive future rates bills by email to save time and paper. A registration form for this will be delivered with your rates bill.

How much will my rates be going up this year?

The average rates increase across the city will be two per cent. For residential rates increases, this will work out be about $23. Individual rates increases will vary from ratepayer to ratepayer because of the impact of October 2008's property valuation and the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC).

Why are my rates going up?

To continue to provide all the great facilities and services across the city, there is a yearly increase in costs - the council's rate of inflation. Though the rate of inflation is 2.5 per cent, your rates are only going up by an average of two per cent - Auckland City Council is dedicated to delivering on our promise of affordable progress.

How can I find out my actual rates increase?

Visit Property and rates in Auckland city. Type in your home address and you will be able to find out your exact increase for 2009/2010.

Do we have to pay extra for Rugby World Cup 2011 and developing Queens Wharf?

To fund the council's activities and developments for RWC 2011, we are introducing a one-year targeted rate in 2011/2012.

In addition to this, we will be redeveloping Queens Wharf into a high-quality public facility, so we will have to further increase the rates - higher than the council's 2.5 per cent rate of inflation - in that one year.

This will mean an average rates increase of 6.1 per cent for 2011/2012. It is too early to say what the exact individual ratepayer increase would be. However, we have forecasted average rate increases for 2012/2013 to be lower than the council's rate of inflation.

Will the new Auckland Council affect my rates?

At the moment, we don't know. We have set your rates for the current year, but as the next rating year crosses over in to the first term of the new Auckland Council, we will be working with the Auckland Transition Agency to set the rates for 2010/2011.

Do you have any more questions?

If so, phone 379 2025 or visit Property and rates in Auckland city online for more information.