Rates Review - Pre-review focus groups

Consultation has concluded

Thanks to all that registered and were selected to participate. The focus groups were a really constructive feedback forum - Rotorua Lakes Council appreciate the support from our community in this discovery phase!


Prior to the commencement of a rates review a number of focus groups are planned to enable Council to define problems with the current framework. These findings will help in determining potential solutions to improve how Council allocates rates.

The series of focus groups will cover a range of key community sectors and existing rating categories (urban, rural residential, lakes communities, farming, commercial, industrial etc).

Within the focus groups the existing rating framework will be explored and the legislation/rules around rating made clear.

The focus groups will then share feedback and experiences on how Rotorua's rates are allocated across the district.



Thanks to all that registered and were selected to participate. The focus groups were a really constructive feedback forum - Rotorua Lakes Council appreciate the support from our community in this discovery phase!


Prior to the commencement of a rates review a number of focus groups are planned to enable Council to define problems with the current framework. These findings will help in determining potential solutions to improve how Council allocates rates.

The series of focus groups will cover a range of key community sectors and existing rating categories (urban, rural residential, lakes communities, farming, commercial, industrial etc).

Within the focus groups the existing rating framework will be explored and the legislation/rules around rating made clear.

The focus groups will then share feedback and experiences on how Rotorua's rates are allocated across the district.



Consultation has concluded

Rates are a ‘tax’ charged by local councils to help pay for the services they provide the community. Rates vary from place to place, but they’re generally based on the value of the property. They can be complex to understand.

Please feel free to ask questions about our rating system and how it is applied here!

For more information in Rotorua rates charges is here.

(If you have questions specific to your personal rate charges please contact Rotorua Lakes Council)

  • Hi, I’m interested in being part of a focus group, but there’s no information that I can readily see about what is involved in being part of a group e.g. regular meetings, times, location, commitment expected etc. Could you supply me with that info, or better still, put it on the website where it’s easily visible.

    over 5 years ago

    Good question and really appreciate you asking as I can fully understand more detail is required.

    Details: If you register and are selected to be on a focus group:

    • A commitment of attending just one focus group
    • A focus group session is likely to take approx 2 hours
    • You will be given a small koha as a way of reciprocity for you times & input
    • Venue will be a central location for the participants
    • Times and dates to be confirmed

    Thanks again and please feel free to ask more questions.