Temporary rating valuation law change approved for Hastings District Council after Cyclone Gabrielle

A temporary amendment to rating valuation legislation has been introduced to support the Hastings District Council to complete its general revaluation and move forward with rating activities following Cyclone Gabrielle in February. 

The amendment has been brought into effect by an Order in Council modifying the Rating Valuations Act 1998, which is administered by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), under the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Act 2023.

The Council requested the Order in Council because it has not been feasible for all properties damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle to be identified, inspected and accurately valued to reflect their physical condition before the 30 June 2023 revaluation deadline.

The amendment comes into effect today, 9 June 2023, and will continue in effect until 30 June 2026 or the implementation of the next revaluation after June 2023, whichever happens sooner. The Order in Council is available here.

By being able to complete its revaluation, the Council can set rates and carry out rating activities for the coming year.

LINZ, with support from the Council consulted on the proposals in May and thank the community for their submissions during the consultation period. 

The changes do not impact the Council’s ability to consider or provide rates relief for cyclone-damaged properties in its district.

The amendments are similar to those applied following the Christchurch and Kaikoura/Hurunui earthquakes when local councils were unable to meet revaluation requirements due to the impact on properties.

Council will provide more information about the objections process at the end of June once the revaluation process has been approved and the valuation notices sent out.