Rates remission for about 80 flood-damaged Wellington homes

Wednesday, 27 May 2026

A car was left high and dry on a Berhampore fence after the April floods.

About Wellington 80 homes deemed uninhabitable from April floods can now get a break from the Wellington City Council rates after a vote on Wednesday morning.

The council estimates the rates remission, for homes that cannot be lived in for 28 or more days, will cost the city about $400,000. Councillors voted unanimously for the rates remission.

About 80 homes, largely around Berhampore, Island Bay and Brooklyn, were thought to be eligible. Torrential but highly-localised rain caused extensive flooding around Wellington in the early hours of April 20.

The remission will mean eligible properties will not get Wellington City Council rates from April 1 until June 30, 2027, or until their home is deemed habitable if sooner.

The sludge levy will still be charged, as will Greater Wellington Regional Council rates.