Media release
10 April 2001

A new easy way to pay land and water rates

From 17 April, Manukau City ratepayers can pay their water and land rate bills at New Zealand Post or Books & More outlets.

Council’s Director of City Services, Wayne Goodley, says that because of the security risk in having cash accepted at ward centres Council had to look at other ways of taking manual payments. “Ideally we’d like people to pay their rates by direct debit, automatic payment or post as these methods are the most secure. But we know that there are many people in the city who prefer to pay in cash and so we need to make sure we provide the most effective way to do that” he says.

He says that this should not be a big change for those who pay rates in person. “Most of our ratepayers who pay this way, also pay bills at Post Shops such as their phone or power bill, or car registration. Now they’ll be able to make just one trip to the Post Office, rather than a second trip to the ward office.”

Payments can still be made at ward centres up until June 30. After June 30 these payments will no longer be accepted at ward centres but Mr Goodley says people can still pay other council bills, such as dog registration and parking fines, at ward centres. He says while council is also looking at NZ Post accepting these other payments in the future, the ward centres and libraries will still remain open to provide information and advice to the community. “Paying water and land rates at New Zealand Post is not about closing down the city's ward centres.”
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New Zealand Post Retail General Manager, Terence Delaney says “ Our wide network of Post Shops and Books and More outlets are well established and experienced in receipting payments. New Zealand Post has 14 locations within Manukau City compared with the seven council locations. Our nationwide network of shops also offer longer opening hours for customers making manual payments.”

People can pay by cash, cheque or eftpos but not credit card. People can also continue to pay in part payments but they need to take in their rates bill/instalment notice each time. NZ Post will scan in the bar code on the notice before accepting any payments to ensure Council knows who has paid and how much. There is a minimum payment of $10.

“An added feature is a special telephone available in all post shops so people can call council with rates queries. This is a free call and will be answered by 24-hour call centre staff. And of course, Council libraries and ward centres will also be able to assist with enquiries” says Mr Goodley.

More information will be sent to water and land rate payers in their next rates notice or ratepayers can call 262 5104.

ENDS

Media Contact
Yvette Bell
Communications Advisor
Communications Unit
Phone: (09) 2625187
Fax: (09) 2625759
Email: ybell@manukau.govt.nz

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