[DanFromCali]

I was playing with the cost of living calculator on this site and saw "Council Rates". What are these exactly? I am going to be there on a work visa, not actually immigrating (at least not right away) so does this apply to me?

[Georgebulldog]

You pay these if you buy a house, not sure about renting as not doen it so not sure if it's included in the rent but sure someone will answer that for you.

[JandM]

They are local taxes based on the valuation of the home. I don't know either who pays in the case of a rental.

[dusk]

As far as I know the landlord pays the rates (presumably they just add them into the weekly rent amount)

[DanFromCali]

o i c. like property tax...

thanks!

[BkyMonster]

More like Mello-Roos if I understand them correctly, but yes, property taxes.

[JandM]

I've just spoken to my NZ resident son, and he says in his experience of renting homes and business premises, the rates and buildings insurance have always been paid by the landlord.