Norm Ngapo

I would like to clarify comments in recent editions of the Beacon, where it is has been stated that rates are not paid on multiple owned Māori land. As a bald statement, this is not correct.  To clarify the facts, rates are generally payable on multiple owned Māori freehold land in New Zealand, although there are specific circumstances, council policies, and provisions of the Local Government Amendment Act 2021 which allow for potential exceptions and options for rate relief.

I can personally confirm that my own whānau, on both my mother and father’s side, have continued to pay rates (for decades that I have been involved with looking after the whenua) on Māori land that is in multiple ownership. I can also confirm that there are options for rate relief if the land is unoccupied and unproductive.

Just setting the record straight.