Paying your rates

Paying your Rates

Rates instalment 1 is due on 31 August 2023 for the Waitomo District.

 

Payment Arrangements

We are here to help. Please talk to us. If you think you might have difficulty meeting payments then get in touch and let’s work out how we can assist. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay your rates in full by 31 July 2023, please get in touch to check out possible options available to you. Remember also, that there are other places that you can go to get help.

A 10% penalty will be charged on the unpaid amount after 31 July 2023. However, please remember, late payment penalties will not apply if a suitable payment arrangement has been agreed prior.

 

Rates Rebate

Applications are now open for rates rebates for the year ending 30 June 2024. The maximum rates rebate available to a ratepayer for their home on 1 July 2023 is $750.  We encourage you to visit our website to check your eligibility using the rates rebate calculator. The application form is also available on the website or alternatively contact the Customer Services team to assist you in applying for rates rebate.

 

Rates Remission

If you have been unable to pay the current rates instalment by the due date, and have a good payment history you may be eligible for penalty remission. Council will also consider remission of rates in cases of extreme financial hardship. Please visit our website for Council’s Remission policy and application forms.

 

Payment Methods

We have loads of ways to pay your rates:

  • EASYPAY/Direct Debit
  • Credit Card/Debit Card
  • Direct Credit, Telephone Banking or Internet Banking
  • Telegraphic transfer

 

Direct Debit
The easiest way to pay your rates. It ensures no penalties will be applied and allows you to spread your payments across the rating year without being concerned about keeping up with various payment due dates. 
If you do not already have a direct debit in place, we encourage you to take up the option, complete the form and return it to us for processing.

 

EASYPAY
Allows rates, debtor accounts and water accounts to be paid by Direct Debit.  The benefit of this service is it allows payments to be deducted directly from your bank account which saves time and eliminates the chance of penalty charges.  You can contact us at anytime to cancel or suspend the authority when you are paying by direct debit however please allow up to two working days notice.

Click here to download an EASYPAY form. (PDF 120 KB)

 

Credit Card/Debit Card
Payment can be made over the phone or in person by credit card.  Call us on 0800 932 4357 to pay over the phone

 

Direct Credit or Telephone Banking
You can pay by telephone or internet banking.

Please use the following details when making your payment to ensure it is allocated correctly.  

Bank: Westpac

Account Number: 03-0449-0070201-00

 

Particulars Code Reference
Rates Valuation Number Surname/Company Name
Water Water Account Number Surname/Company Name
Debtors Debtor account number Surname/Company Name
Building Building Consent Number Surname/Company Name or applicant details
LIM/PIM   Surname/Company Name or applicant details
Health/Liquor Account Number Surname/Company Name or applicant details
Dogs Owner ID (as per dog registration invoice) Surname of dog owner
Infringement Infringement ID Surname or Company name

If one payment is made for multiple accounts e.g. two rates accounts and a water account please send a detailed email or fax on the day the payment is made to ensure the payments are allocated correctly.

Our fax number is 07 878 7771 or email us [email protected]

 

In person

You're welcome to come to the Customer Contact Centre, Railway Building 3, Rora Street, Te Kūiti.  They accept cash, and debit/credit payments.

 

Telegraphic Transfer

If you are paying by telegraphic transfer from an overseas bank account, please add an additional $15 to your payment to cover the bank fees that are charged for using this payment method.

If you require any assistance with paying your rates bill give us a call on 0800 932 4357 or 07 878 0800.

 

We're here to help  

There are a number of options available to help you out and we encourage you  to make contact with us – the earlier, the better.

 

Financial support for housing costs - MSD

The Ministry of Social Development can also provide a range of support for housing costs. Read about what you may be entitled to here (PDF 271 KB)

 

Payment Arrangements

Please talk with us. If you think you might have difficulty meeting payments then get in touch and lets work out how we can assist. If you are experiencing hardship and are unable to pay your rates in full , please get in touch to discuss possible options available to you.  The benefits of entering into a payment plan are that you have a longer time to pay and you do not incur late payment penalties while the payment plan is in place. Give us a call to discuss setting up a payment arrangement.

 

Rates Rebate

The Rates Rebate Scheme benefits lower income ratepayers with their rates account.  The amount of rate rebate depends on a combination of your income, the amount of rates you are charged and the number of dependents you have.

More information can be viewed here