What were the other reasons that the budget for rates rebates was reduced in Financial Year 2026/27 apart from the shift to NZ SuperGold Card holders and has the Minister had any advice on raising the threshold for all low income households.

Answer

The budget for the Rates Rebate Scheme has not been reduced. An appropriation of $117 million is forecast for the Scheme in 2026/27. This is an increase of $3 million from the 2025/26 budget of $114 million. Of the $117 million for 2026/27, $35 million is in a tagged contingency which will eventually be drawn down by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, likely in the 2026/27 October Baseline Update. The income abatement threshold for both SuperGold Cardholders and other ratepayers is adjusted annually in line with inflation. On 1 July 2026, the maximum annual rebate was increase from $805 to $830, with the income abatement threshold for SuperGold Cardholders increasing from $45,000 to $46,400, and the income abatement threshold for other ratepayers increasing from $32,210 to $33,210. As the Minister of Local Government, I have not received any advice about raising the threshold in addition to the annual inflation adjustment.