Rates for 2026/27 - what it means for you
Rates help fund the everyday services that keep our district running — from roads and footpaths to water services, parks and community facilities.
This year, some properties will see larger increases than others. That’s mainly due to rising wastewater costs, which only apply to properties connected to the network. This means urban properties, and particularly commercial and industrial properties with multiple connections, are likely to see the biggest changes.
See the 2026/2027 Annual Plan here.
How much will my rates be?
To keep services running and cover rising costs, we need $3.5 million more in rates overall this year.
This is in line with what we signalled in the Long Term Plan, so there are no surprises.
Your individual rates bill will depend on:
- your property’s capital value
- the services your property receives
For example, only properties connected to the wastewater network pay for it, so rising wastewater costs fall directly on those properties.
Some of this increase is offset by growth. New homes, subdivisions and additional service connections help share the cost of providing services across a larger number of properties. Over the past year, the total value of properties across the district increased by 1.71%.
Why some properties will see bigger changes
Not all properties are affected in the same way.
Properties connected to wastewater are seeing higher increases this year due to:
- rising operating and maintenance costs
- the end of a long-standing funding agreement with industry partners
- ongoing investment required to maintain and improve wastewater infrastructure
This impact is most noticeable for:
- urban residential properties with full services
- commercial and industrial properties, especially those with more than one wastewater connection
Properties that don’t receive these services, such as many rural properties, will generally see smaller increases.
What this looks like in practice
Here are some examples of different property types across the district. These examples are based on the rates figures used in the Annual Plan and are provided for illustration only.
An urban residential property with full services (e.g. water supply, wastewater, kerbside collection):
- a $750,000 home increases by about $325 (8.1%)
- a $1,250,000 home increases by about $326 (7%)
A commercial or industrial property with two additional toilets and no kerbside collection:
- a $1,000,000 property increases by about $793 (14%)
- larger value properties may still see higher dollar increases, but a lower percentage overall
A rural or lifestyle property without services (e.g. no water supply, wastewater connection or kerbside collection):
- increases are typically lower, around 1–4% depending on value
These are examples only and may not reflect your particular situation. Your actual rates will depend on your property and the services you receive.
Check your property
The easiest way to see what this means for you is to check your property online:
Pay my rates
Our online payment platform Payble lets you manage your rates payments in a way that suits you, from the comfort of your home or on the go.
It's quick and easy to:
- choose how you pay
- direct debit by bank account, debit card or credit card
- decide what day to make your rates payments (for example to align with your pay day)
- view balances and upcoming payments
- set up a personalised payment schedule
- access and update your payment information anytime, anywhere
- pay in full if you choose
Sign up or log in to Payble here.
FAQ
Why does the Annual Plan say rates are increasing by 5.92%, but my rates have gone up by a different amount?
The 5.92% increase in the Annual Plan is the total increase in rates revenue across the district.
Individual properties may see a higher or lower increase depending on their property's capital value and the services they receive. For example, properties connected to wastewater are seeing larger increases this year due to rising wastewater costs, while some rural properties that receive fewer services may see smaller increases.
Why are commercial and industrial properties seeing larger increases?
Commercial and industrial properties often pay multiple wastewater charges, based on the facilities available on site. As wastewater costs have increased this year, properties with multiple charges are seeing a greater impact than many residential properties.
Why don't all properties pay the same increase?
Different properties receive different services and pay different rates charges.
For example, only properties connected to the wastewater network contribute to wastewater costs. Property values also affect some rates charges, so increases can vary between properties even within the same town.
Why are wastewater costs increasing?
Wastewater costs are increasing for a few key reasons. Environmental and regulatory standards are becoming more demanding, which means we need to invest more in how wastewater is treated and managed. At the same time, the cost of running and maintaining these systems has gone up.
Alongside these changes, we’ve also seen a reduction in funding. A long-standing agreement with industry partners ended during 2026, so a larger share of the cost now sits with connected ratepayers.
What does Waikato Waters mean for my water and wastewater rates?
There are also wider changes happening across New Zealand in how water services are delivered. Under the Government’s Local Water Done Well approach, councils are required to meet new rules and plan for financially sustainable water services into the future.
As part of this, we’re working with other Waikato councils to transition our water services to a new regional organisation, Waikato Waters. While there are no immediate changes to the services you receive, Council will continue to collect water and wastewater charges on behalf of Waikato Waters during the transition period.
Why are the example percentages different?
The percentage increase depends on your property's value and the services and rates charges that apply to it. Because some charges are fixed and others vary by property value or services received, two properties can have a similar dollar increase but a different percentage increase.
What does Waikato Waters mean for my water and wastewater rates?
From 1 October 2026, drinking water and wastewater services for Matamata-Piako will be delivered by Waikato Waters, a council-owned organisation established by six Waikato councils.
What does this mean right now?
For the first year, there will be no change for customers:
- you will continue to pay for water and wastewater services through your Council rates
- your charges will remain on your rates notice
- you will still contact Council for any questions, faults or service requests
What will change over time?
Over time:
- water and wastewater charges will move from your Council rates to a separate bill from Waikato Waters
- money collected from Matamata-Piako customers will continue to be invested in local water services
- Waikato Waters will remain publicly owned by councils
