In June, the council released updated rating valuations across all Auckland properties. As part of that process, property owners could request a review of the council valuation.
Objection applications closed on 25 July and this year Auckland Council received 10,500 objections from property owners requesting a review of their 2024 rating valuation. This is around 1.7 per cent of our 630,000 ratepayers.
Auckland Council head of rates, valuations and data management Rhonwen Heath said the council is now progressing objections through the valuation providers, Opteon and Quotable Value.
"Under legislation, a valuation objection requires a thorough review of each property. This process can vary by property, but does include individual site visits," says Rhonwen.
"While we are progressing all objections as quickly as possible, the robust nature of a full review and site visit for each of these 10,500 properties means inevitably some owners will face a longer wait time than others. We expect to be processing objections well into 2026."
Any valuation changes will be resolved as soon as possible. In the meantime, property owners should pay their rates according to the current rates notice.
If an objection results in a change, the rates will be adjusted on the property’s account as soon as possible. "If your value has decreased, any overpayment of rates will be credited to the ratepayer. If your value should increase, your rates will reflect the increased property value," says Rhonwen.
"We appreciate our ratepayers’ patience as we progress, and we will continue to provide updates as this work progresses."
As a first step, property owners should expect communication from one of our valuation providers, Opteon or QV, by 29 August 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How does the objections process work?
A rating valuation objection requires, under legislation, a thorough review of each objecting property’s rating valuation. We undertake this work using our valuation service providers, Opteon and QV (Quotable Value). Each objection requires a site visit, sales analysis of comparable properties and will be signed off by a registered valuer.
Rating valuations are all based around a single point in time, to ensure that rates can be shared fairly across all properties in Auckland. For these valuations, the effective date is 1 May 2024. The objections process therefore cannot consider any recent market changes, including any property sales occurring well after that date or any new information or events impacting market prices that was not known at that time.
We are progressing all objections as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, the robust nature of a full review and site visit for each of these 10,500 properties means some owners will face a longer wait time than others. We appreciate our ratepayers’ patience as we work through the list.
What should property owners expect?
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You will hear from a valuer: property owners should expect to hear from a council valuation provider, either Opteon or QV. A valuer will proceed with assessing the objection, following the requirements and process set out in legislation.
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Inspection: an on-site inspection is required. The valuer will cross the property boundary, conduct an internal inspection (if needed) and leave an inspection card if no-one is home. This person will have identification on them.
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Data check and evidence: the valuer will confirm property features and updates, cross-check with the objection letter, gather supporting data (e.g. sales, rent, production) and ensure any revised value is backed by at least three comparable sales.
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Post-inspection contact: if the new valuation differs by 15 per cent or more from what the owner proposed, the valuer must make contact to discuss the proposed values.
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Council decision and notification: if your property valuation changes, the District Valuation Roll is updated and takes effect from the original valuation date (1 May 2024). All relevant parties are notified, including the property owner and ratepayer (if different). Objectors will receive information on their right to appeal.
In what order are properties reviewed?
Objections is not a ‘first in, first served’ process. The order of objections is based on several factors. Some properties are prioritised based on geography, efficiency or assigned based on a valuer’s specific skill.
When should I expect to hear an outcome of my objection?
We are progressing all objections as efficiently as possible, but the robust nature of a full review means inevitably some owners will face a longer wait time, than others. We estimate many properties will be reviewed throughout 2026.
After QV or Opteon have visited the property, you can expect an objection letter within four weeks of an inspection taking place.
What does it mean for my rates?
All ratepayers must pay their rates, as originally assessed and invoiced in August 2025. This includes those property owners who have objected.
If an objection results in a change, the rates will be adjusted on the property’s account as soon as possible. If your value has decreased, any overpayment of rates will be credited to the ratepayer. If your value should increase, your rates will reflect the increased property value.
We recommend property owners review our payment options and consider an approach that best suits their needs: Ways to pay your property rates
Who do I speak with about my objection?
By 29 August 2025, you will know which council valuation provider (QV or Opteon) will be reviewing your property. If you have a query regarding your property’s objection, we recommend you connect with them in the first instance.
To contact QV: objectionsupport@qv.co.nz
To contact Opteon: government.nz@opteonsolutions.com
