Use Petrol Off-Road?
NZ Farmers, Could You Be Missing Out on Thousands?
Rural reporter
July 22 2025 • 3:07pm
If there’s one thing kiwi farmers know, it’s that money doesn’t grow on trees (unless you’re an orchardist, in which case, fair play). But here’s something you won’t see on the six o’clock news, there’s a government refund with your name on it, tied to fuel you’ve already burned running your off-road gear.
The Refund That No One Talks About
NZ farmers, arborists, and all you hard-working business owners - did you know you can claim back the excise tax on petrol used for off-road work? We’re talking about the off-road fuel claims, a legit government scheme that can put thousands back in your pocket. No gimmicks, no catch - just straight-up cash for petrol you’ve already paid for. Yet, most farmers either don’t know about it or think it’s too much hassle. And fair enough - filling out forms is about as enjoyable as fixing a fence in sideways rain.
How Much Are We Talking?
Here’s the kicker: the average first claim (backdated 24 months) is around $3,300. That’s a fair bit more useful than the loose change you find down the back of the ute seat.
To put that into perspective:
That’s topping up the bowser a few times over
A well deserved getaway
Supercharging the upgrade from the TRX to the Polaris
Who Can Claim? (Spoiler: Probably You)
If you're running petrol-powered gear off-road-chainsaws, quad bikes, water pumps, generators, post hole borers - you could be eligible for a rebate. And let's be honest, that's most farmers.
Got a farm? Claim it.
Running an orchard or vineyard? Yep, you too.
Landscapers, arborists, and adventure tourism operators? You're in.
Food trucks out at the field days? That generator petrol counts as off-road.
Barry Crump once said, “A man who always leaves his gate open will end up with a paddock full of strays.” Well, leaving your money unclaimed is about the same - it’ll just wander off, never to be seen again. Let’s lock that gate and get your refund sorted.