Art Space Rates Helper

Who is filling this in?

Only the ratepayer, usually the building owner, can apply to WCC. An arts group can fill this in and give the owner the application to send.

An arts group or artistYou want to use an empty space and need the owner to agree. A property owner or their managerYou want to lower rates by letting an arts group use your space.

Your answers are saved in this browser only.

What will the space be used for?

Tick all that apply. These are the uses the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 gives rates relief for, in plain language. Uses that only apply to things like parks, roads and railways are left out.

Uses that halve the general rate

50% non-rateable, Schedule 1, Part 2

ArtsA group uses the space for any kind of art, such as studios, exhibitions, rehearsals, music, theatre, dance, writing or craft. The group can be incorporated or informal. Sport or gamesA club or group uses the space for sport or games. Horse and greyhound racing don't count, and neither does a club that holds a club alcohol licence for the space.

Uses that remove the general rate

Fully non-rateable, Schedule 1, Part 1

Free care or support for people in needA charity uses the space to support people who are elderly, disabled, sick, orphaned or in need, whether or not they can pay, and charges no one who would struggle to pay. Religious worshipThe space is used mainly as a place of worship. Religious educationThe space is used mainly for religious education, such as a Sunday school, and not run to make a private profit. MaraeThe space is used for the purposes of a marae, and not mainly for commercial use or housing. School, kura or tertiary educationA state or state-integrated school, specialist school or tertiary institution uses it, or a not-for-profit early childhood centre or private school. Council public useA council uses the space as a public hall, library, museum, art gallery or similar. Heritage New Zealand, Te Papa, QEII National Trust or the Blind FoundationOne of these organisations uses the space for its own purposes. Health New ZealandHealth New Zealand uses the space to provide health services.

None of these

It will be run as a business to make a profitFor example a commercial gallery or studio that makes money for its owners.

Which building is it?

Street address Start typing and choose the address from the list. The details come from WCC's rating valuations

Valuation number Capital value ($)

Rate account number (optional) Shown on WCC Property Search under "Additional details" Differential rating category Also under "Additional details" on WCC Property Search

Open WCC Property Search

How much of the building will the art space use?

Will it use the whole rating unit? Current yearly rates on this account ($) (optional) On the owner's rates invoice. Used to estimate the saving

Group and owner details

The arts group

Group name

Incorporated? Registration number (optional)

Contact person Email

Phone (optional) Website (optional)

The owner (ratepayer)

Owner name The person, company or trust on the title

Contact person Email

Has the owner agreed?

How will the space be used?

Describe the activity For example studios, exhibitions or workshops, who uses the space and how often Arrangement with the owner

Start date (optional) End date (optional) Leave blank if ongoing

Does the change of use need a council consent?

There is no minimum period in the Rating Act or in WCC's policy. WCC sets each property's rating category for a whole rating year starting on 1 July, so a change approved now applies from the next 1 July.

If a consent is needed, the owner can apply once the consent is lodged and the old use has ended. If no consent is needed, the owner must tell WCC before the space opens under the new use.

Which documents can you provide?

WCC will want evidence of how the space is used. Tick the ones you have or can get. They'll be listed in the application.

Signed lease or licence between the owner and the group Owner's written consent to the application Group's constitution or rules showing its purpose and that members don't take a private profit Floor plan marking the art space and its area Description of the activity programme, with any photos or press Latest financial statements for the group Details of any fees charged to artists or the public

Result

Application to Wellington City Council

For the owner to check, sign and send. You can edit it here.

Email it to the Council

This opens the letter in your email app. Attach the signed PDF and the documents before you send it. Only the owner, or someone acting for them, should send it.

WCC email address

Note to the owner

A short email asking the owner to meet. Edit it before you send it.

What happens next

Summary

Your answers and the result, to keep or share.

Art Space Rates Helper

Useful links

Who is filling this in?

What will the space be used for?

Uses that halve the general rate

Uses that remove the general rate

None of these

Which building is it?

How much of the building will the art space use?

Group and owner details

The arts group

The owner (ratepayer)

How will the space be used?

Which documents can you provide?

Result

Application to Wellington City Council

Email it to the Council

Note to the owner

What happens next

Summary

Own an empty building, or looking for space?