Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Auckland Council

The latest rating valuations 

What valuation trends do I need to know?

Two independent valuation providers, QV and Opteon, completed the 2024 valuation process. These companies are experienced property valuers and have worked closely with Auckland Council. The trends they identified tell us:

• Values for areas further from the city centre have reduced less. These include Hibiscus & Bays, Upper Harbour and Franklin (-4% to -1%).

• Conversely, properties closer to the city centre generally have above-average reductions (-11 to -14%). These include Puketāpapa, Albert-Eden, Maungakiekie- Tāmaki, Waitematā and Whau (all -14 or -13%).

• In some areas, reduced demand for properties with redevelopment potential has contributed to larger value declines. These include Māngere Bridge, Henderson, Massey, Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure.

• Land values have driven changes in CV. For many residential properties, land values reduced an average of -13% and commercial -6%. The reduction in land values reflects reduced development activity since 2021 and, in some cases, potential zoning changes.

• Some have bucked the trend. Rodney has held its values (average 0% change) and Great Barrier is up (+38%). This is a continuing trend, with residential valuations on Great Barrier up 59% at the 2021 rating valuation. 

My property’s valuation has reduced. Why?

The new valuations reflect changes between 1 June 2021 and 1 May 2024. The last council rating valuation in 2021 was close to the market peak, and between then and May 2024 the economy and property market generally trended down.

Council valuations do not reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes. Valuations just allow rates to be fairly shared.

Valuers assess a property’s CV by analysing data, such as local sales, property type, location and other property factors. The valuations are not a good indication of what your property would sell for today (the values are based on 1 May 2024).

Rating valuation and rates

How does rating valuation impact a property’s rates cost?

How a property’s CV changes compare to other properties in the region will determine whether a property’s rates increase from 1 July is more, or less, than the average residential rates increase of 5.8%. The new CV will be used to calculate rates for the next rating year, from 1 July 2025.

Reduced property values mean lower rates, right?

A change in a property’s CV will not necessarily mean the rates will be higher for an increased value, or lower for a decreased value. Properties with a valuation change higher or lower than the region’s average, will pay a higher or lower proportion of rates.

Does rating valuation affect the amount of rates council receives?

Revaluation doesn’t affect the amount of money the council collects from rates – it helps work out everyone’s share of rates. Any increase, or decrease, in the city’s property value does not change the total amount of rates the council collects. The council sets its budget annually following community consultation, using the three-yearly Long-term Plan as the starting point.

The council decides the rates revenue it needs to provide the services in the budget, after accounting for all revenue sources such as income from fees and charges, and central government contributions. Achieving savings and other initiatives to improve value for money are helping the council to deliver more, without solely relying on rates increases.

What a new property valuation means 

Why does the council value properties?

All councils are required by law to revalue properties inside their boundaries within a maximum of three years. In order to set rates fairly, the council’s registered valuers attribute an approximate value to all properties in the region, every three years. The last rating valuation was in 2021 and used to set rates from 1 July 2022.

Does rating valuation reflect the current value of a property?

No, a rating valuation reflects the likely selling price of the property, without chattels, if it sold on 1 May 2024. This historical information is only used for fairly sharing rates between properties. Council valuations do not reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes.

For an appraisal of current market value, we recommend ratepayers reach out to local real estate agents or registered valuers. There is also a range of online providers of property information based on current market data and recent trends.  

How are rating valuations completed?

Valuers assess a property’s CV by analysing data, such as local sales, property type, location and other property factors. The values are not a good indication of what a property would sell for today (the values are based on 1 May 2024).

Rating valuations allow rates to be fairly shared. Council valuations do not reflect a property’s current market value and should not be used for insurance or mortgage purposes.

How does it work for an average home?

For your average stand-alone home, the valuers would look at sales of comparable homes – similar land size, floor area, quality condition and location attributes, such as coastal properties.

Valuers analysed market sales in areas of Auckland around 1 May 2024, considering similar properties and locations. For example, renovated villas in Grey Lynn are compared with sales of other renovated villas in that immediate area.

So, a typical residential property would usually move in value along with other similar properties in the neighbourhood. But not all property values in an area will change in the same way – it depends on standalone houses, cross-leases, units and other home types. Values are done by mass valuation, using information held by council and our valuation providers – not by individual inspection.

Good things to know

Who completed this year’s valuations?

Given the scale of the task of valuing 630,000 rateable properties in Auckland, two property valuation partners were involved in Auckland rating valuation: Opteon and Quotable Value.

How does the objection process work?

Property owners who want to opt for an objection can do so by 25 July 2025. We encourage property owners to take a look at the process via our website – and consider how the CV for their property compares with the CV for similar properties in their local area.

Because the rating values are all based on 1 May 2024, looking at more recent sales data might not be relevant when considering an objection. Further information is available online through the Auckland Council website or phone 09) 301 0101.

If an objection leads to a change in a property’s rating value, council will issue amended rates assessments that reflect any increase or decrease. If a refund is required, any overpaid amount will be refunded (once the objection process is complete).

What should ratepayers do if they are concerned about paying rates?

Anyone concerned about paying their rates is encouraged to get in touch as we have a range of assistance available.

These include:

• a government-funded rates rebate scheme
• a rates postponement scheme for residential properties
• flexible payment options, such as direct debits offering weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, and annual payment.

The rates rebate threshold for SuperGold card holders will increase from $31,510 to $45,000 from 1 July 2025. This will make more ratepayers who receive NZ superannuation eligible for a rates rebate.

This information can be found on the Auckland Council website and our rates invoices also detail the support available. We encourage ratepayers to consider the options.

This year’s valuation delay 

Why has the property rating valuation been delayed?

Ensuring a robust valuation process so ratepayers receive values that accurately reflect market values as at 1 May 2024 is important to the council, so Aucklanders have confidence the values used to determine rates have been accurately calculated.

Following an audit in September 2024, the Valuer-General advised that the council valuation data required some amendments to ensure it accurately reflects the market as at 1 May 2024, before valuations will be certified and ready for public release.

The Valuer-General advised that the 2024 valuation data was of a good quality, however some further work was needed for Auckland Council to attain certification.

In April, the valuation file was resubmitted to the Valuer-General for review once that further work was completed by our valuation partners. The Valuer- General has now certified the 2024 rating valuations which has enabled us to publicly release these to property owners in June 2025.

Who is the Valuer-General and why are they involved?

The Valuer-General is appointed by central government and has a statutory responsibility for auditing and certifying all valuations used by councils to set rates.

Where can I get more information?  

Further information is available on the Auckland Council website.

This year’s rating valuation trends is summarised on OurAuckland.

To discuss your queries further, please phone (09) 301 0101.

Source: Auckland Council

There’s still time for Aucklanders to give feedback on the future use of Western Springs Stadium.

The consultation, led by Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), includes three options and seeks public feedback until midnight on Sunday 15 June 2025.

The volume of submissions has been very positive, with more than 9,200 already received. More than 1,200 of these have come from each of the Albert-Eden and Waitematā local board areas.

Max Hardy, Auckland Council’s Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office, encourages even more people to take part.

“It’s great to see strong interest in the future of Western Springs Stadium. We want thoughtful input from a wide cross-section of Aucklanders so that decisions we make reflect the full range of perspectives on how to best use this significant community asset,” says Mr Hardy.

Nick Hill, Chief Executive of TAU, makes no assumptions about the outcome of this process.

“Western Springs Stadium is a special player in our stadium network and there’s huge potential there. Once we have the community’s views alongside other important determinants in the decision making process, we’ll be better placed to support the future of the stadium in a way that better serves more Aucklanders for years to come.

“Please tell us what you think of the options we’ve put in front of you,” adds Mr Hill.

The easiest way to have your say is by visiting the AK Have Your Say website and completing the online feedback form. You can also give feedback in person at the Central City, Grey Lynn, Little Leys, Mt Albert or Pt Chevalier libraries.

To support accessibility, key information has been translated into te reo Māori, Simplified Chinese, Samoan, Tongan, Korean, and Hindi. A New Zealand Sign Language video is also available on the website.

A full analysis of the feedback will be available in late July. The feedback received will help the council to consider this subject again in a public Governing Body meeting on 31 July 2025.

Source: New Zealand Police

Southern District Police issued numerous infringements and ordered multiple vehicles off the road over the weekend in an operation targeting antisocial road user behaviour.

In an operation running over Friday and Saturday nights (6-7 June), Police pulled over 161 vehicles, 54 were sent for inspection, issued 12 green stickers and 16 pink stickers. Police were out in force across the Invercargill area, working to disrupt gatherings and target illegal activity.

The enforcement action was supported by VTNZ, and the operation consisted of Police staff from the Impairment Prevention Team, the Road Policing Group, and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team.

Southland Area Road Policing Manager Senior Sergeant Scott MacKenzie says district staff pulled together and worked hard over the weekend to curb any illegal behaviour and keep our communities safe.

“The number of vehicles ordered off the road really surprised us; coupled with the fact that only eight of the 54 vehicles inspected were found without any faults.

“In total the teams stopped 161 vehicles, of which those with numerous and or serious faults came in at 33.5 percent – one third of all cars stopped should not have been on the road,” Senior Sergeant MacKenzie said.

“We’ve been very clear – we have no tolerance for this behaviour and the havoc it wreaks in our communities.

Senior Sergeant MacKenzie said he and his colleagues are “all too familiar” with the devastating impacts that can occur when driving recklessly or at speed, along with the fact that many of these vehicles are unsafe to travel in.

“We’re the ones having to visit families and deliver awful news about their loved ones being involved in serious incidents resulting in injury or death.

“That’s what motivates us. We don’t want to be the people having to deliver that news. It’s absolutely tragic, and absolutely avoidable.

“Police are sending a message to anyone participating in antisocial road user behaviour – we are ready and waiting, and you can expect us to take action.”

We continue to encourage anyone who witnesses this type of activity to report it to Police.

Please call 111 if it is happening now, or you can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, please call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Green Party

The 2025 NBR Rich List makes immediately obvious the need for a fair tax system, says the Green Party. 

“The rich list is now worth more than one hundred billion dollars, while the Government has chosen to cut support to tens of thousands of the lowest income New Zealanders. It’s time to tax wealth, and build a country where all of us can thrive,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Finance and co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

“Poverty and homelessness doesn’t come from nowhere. They are created by inequality. Christopher Luxon has put his foot down on the accelerator. By design, the rich are getting much, much richer while the poor are getting much, much poorer.

“We already know that the wealthiest households are able to arrange their finances to pay half the effective tax rate of regular New Zealanders. That means, proportionally, teachers, nurses, builders and firefighters pay more of their income to support our country’s infrastructure than the billionaires the Prime Minister has chosen to celebrate today.

“The Greens are ambitious for an Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone has what they need to thrive. We can have free GPs, free early childhood education, free dental care and rapidly reduce climate changing emissions – if the rich pay their fair share.

“A wealth tax on just the ten wealthiest rich listers alone would pay for free GP care for all New Zealanders.

“Don’t let the people laughing their way to the bank while everyone else suffers tell you what is possible. We all deserve so much better, and our Green Budget shows how,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel, Waimakariri/Hurunui Response Manager,

Two people are before the courts following two separate incidents in the Rural Canterbury area.

On Tuesday 27 May, Police were alerted to a report of a burglary on Southbrook Road, where a residential property’s front gates had been taken during the day in front of peak traffic.

After following lines of enquiry, including CCTV footage, Police identified the alleged offender.

A search warrant was executed at a Christchurch property where Police located the stolen gates partially mounted to the front fence.

The alleged offender was also located at the property and was taken into custody at the scene.

A 41-year-old man appeared on 31 May, and was remanded in custody. He is due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on 25 June.

On Tuesday 3 June, the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit executed a search warrant at a Swannanoa address in relation to a number of reported stolen vehicles.

During the search warrant, Police located three vehicles that had been reported stolen.

A 30-year-old woman was taken into custody at the scene.

The woman is due to appear in Christchurch District Court at a later date, charged with receiving property.

We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information in relation to this incident to Police.

This information is invaluable to our investigations and enabled us to hold the alleged offender to account.

We thank the public for their continued support and urge anyone to report any suspicious or unlawful behaviour to Police.

If you see something happening now, call 111 with as much detail as safely possible, or get in touch on 105 if it’s after the fact.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has been charged following an alleged hit-and-run in Paremoremo yesterday morning, which left two people injured.

Emergency services were called to Attwood Road about 7.10am yesterday following a report of a white ute striking two pedestrians.

The vehicle then allegedly left the scene without stopping.

One woman sustained serious injuries and another moderate injuries and both were transported to hospital for treatment.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, Waitematā CIB, says earlier today a person presented to North Shore Police Station.

“A 39-year-old man has subsequently been charged with failing to stop and ascertain injury and two counts of careless driving causing injury.

“The investigation remains ongoing, however we would like to thank all the members of the public who have so far contacted Police.”

The 39-year-old man will appear in North Shore District Court on 12 July.

As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

At approximately 12.15pm on Monday 9th June at the roundabout with State Highway 26/27, Tatuanui, Matamata-Piako District.

A truck has rolled and is partially blocking the roundabout.

Motorists are requested to avoid the area if possible, take an alternative route or delay travel.

A recovery of the stricken truck is underway, but will be at least two hours, approx 3pm, until the road is clear.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard

Wellington Police are continuing to make enquiries into an unexplained death in Newtown.

At around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 June, Police were called to a property on Mansfield Street.

Police’s enquiries are underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

A scene examination is due to conclude today, and the post-mortem is currently taking place.

Members of the Newtown community may notice an increased Police presence in the area while enquiries are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Men’s Health Week is a good and timely reminder that no one should ever feel ashamed or afraid to reach out for support with their mental health challenges in their time of need, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says.
“New Zealand has made strides over the last couple of decades in reducing stigma and discrimination when it comes to talking about mental health in New Zealand, however we know that there’s still more work needed to continue breaking down the barriers,” Mr Doocey says.
“We know men are less likely to reach out for help and are overrepresented in New Zealand’s suicide statistics. This Government is working at pace to increase access to support so we can ensure when people are reaching out for support, they receive it when and where they need it.
“However, we know that there are still too many Kiwis who aren’t reaching out in their time of need. That is why this Government is making help more accessible through grassroots organisations and nationally available digital and telehealth services.
“More people are now able to access free counselling sessions through Gumboot Friday, we’ve used the Mental Health Innovation Fund to scale up and support great initiatives like Mates in Construction, YouthLine and the Mental Health Foundation.
“This Government has also boosted spending on mental health in the Budget and prioritised frontline services, strengthened the focus on early intervention and prevention to take action earlier when someone is confronting a challenge.
“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, I’ve been leading a programme of work to improve access to support and make sure we have the workforce to answer the call when someone needs help.
“Whether it’s men’s health week or any other day, talking to your mates, family or a mental health practitioner, I would encourage you to have the conversation about how you’re really doing. The first step is often the hardest but it’s important to remember asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the man who died following a water incident in the Boyle River on Thursday 5 June.

He was Phelan McDade, 25, from Napier.

Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the matter are ongoing and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre