Legislation has come into force to allow a general revaluation of houses in Christchurch to be delayed for another two years because of the earthquakes and continuing aftershocks.
Valuations are used to determine local authority rates and are generally updated every three years but legislation has been introduced to allow Christchurch City Council to carry out its revaluation in December 2013, and the Waimakariri District Council in December 2012.
The change also means that when a home is demolished, people will only have to pay rates on the land.
Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson says this is a critical period in the recovery of greater Christchurch, and resources need to remain focused on getting services and processes back to normal.
