38342 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government

38342 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government: 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.

Hon Simon Watts: 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.