Decision Update


Following the close of consultation, Council was approached about a new national solution - the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme (the RAS) - that includes similar Property Improvement Loans. The RAS would, if brought to fruition, provide a similar loans scheme, but at a significantly lower interest rate, and potentially with higher funding amounts and wider eligibility criteria. The RAS is expected to launch in 2026, although this is subject to a business case, legislation and investment decisions.

On 24 June 2025 Council considered the feedback received on the Whare Ora Loans Scheme. and the updated information about the RAS. Council determined to pause establishing the Whare Ora Loans Scheme and instead invest into the establishment of the RAS.

For more information on Council's decision, please see:

We're inviting public feedback on the proposed Whare Ora Loans Scheme, allowing homeowners to apply for a loan, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 with interest rates to cover costs. The loans will be available for home improvement projects such as insulation, double glazing, efficient heating, renewable energy systems and electrification.

This is effectively a re-establishment of a previous voluntary targeted rate scheme we ran from 2013-2021.

Although most of the policy settings have been informed by previous schemes, there have been several changes to ensure its longevity.

  1. It meets a legal exemption to the Credit Contract Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA)
  2. Reducing the scope to the most impactful home improvements
  3. Simplified offering and eligibility to reduce administrative costs

Feedback closed, 5pm Friday 18 April.