1 July 2025 

eRMS access is now read-only 

The electronic Rebate Management System (eRMS) has now been retired with all council staff access changed to read-only.

Read-only access allows you to view:

• publications in eRMS, and
• previous batches and previous invoices inputted up until the 30 June 2025.

From 1 July 2025 you can no longer submit applications through eRMS and will need to follow the new process.

Information on the new process can be found in Rates Rebates Update Newsletter of 22 May 2025 and now in the Rates Rebate Scheme Council Handbook - 1 July 2025 available in eRMS under the 'publication tab'. This includes information on:

• Monthly request for refund 
• Adjustments to claim already paid to council
• Remittance information 

All refund requests must be emailed at the end of each month, to RatesRebates.OperationsDelivery@dia.govt.nz.   

Available on the eRMS Publication tab

Available in eRMS under the 'Publication' tab are:

• Rates Rebate Scheme Council Handbook - 1 July 2025. This is a reformatted document and includes council and applicant information including the new rates rebate process and an extended section on SuperGold Card eligibility information. Most council enquiries can be found in the Council Handbook so please read it before emailing support@ratesrebates.govt.nz 

Also available are the: 

• Refund request form - effective 1 July 2025 
• Adjustment request form- effective 1 July 2025 
• Spreadsheet specifications -effective 1 July 2025 

Application forms for 2025

Application forms for 2025 rating year can be downloaded by the public on the govt.nz website under Housing and property > Get financial help with housing > Get a rates rebate > Apply for a rates rebate: application forms.

Councils can order the printed version of the rates rebate application through the Bluestar portal https://portal.bluestar.co.nz/WebForm/DEPINT?form=Stationery&

DLE size paper forms are also available from the Bluestar portal. 

Late 2024 rating year applications cannot be accepted

Rebate applications for the 2024 rating year received on or after 1 July 2025 cannot be accepted, unless there is evidence that the application was posted 3 or more working days before 1 July 2025. There is no discretion under the Rates Rebate Act 1973, to accept late applications, so please do not contact us with this question or refer members of the public to the Department.

Key dates

Refer to our Rates Rebates Update Newsletter of 22 May 2025 for more information about the changes for the 2025 rating year.

The key dates are:

1 July 2025

• Access to eRMS has changed to read-only
• New criteria for eligibility for rates rebates 
• New ratepayer application form can be ordered via the Bluestar portal along with the poster and flyer
• Rebate online estimate calculator will be available at www.govt.nz/rates-rebates
• New process to revoke a claim already paid to council
• Batches submitted in eRMS will be paid during July 2025 and eRMS remains available to look up the invoice as normal. 

1 August 2025

• Council must submit requests to RatesRebates.OperationsDelivery@dia.govt.nz within 5 working days from this date, for a refund of any claims granted in July 2025.

Council support 

Email support@ratesrebates.govt.nz for any: 

• difficult enquiries not covered in the handbook, or
• questions about the new process from 1 July 2025.

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