Notifications

Tauranga City Council is reminding residents that cheques will no longer be accepted as a payment method after this Friday.

All major banks have announced that cheques are being phased out – including the council’s bank, ANZ.

The last day the council will accept cheque payments is this Friday, 28 May.

Residents are being encouraged to consider the following options:

• Internet banking. This involves making payments from your bank account to the council’s
• Payments through our website. A 1.3% surcharge applies to payments by debit or credit card
• Set up a direct debit for regular payments (e.g. for rates)
• Payments by EFTPOS, credit cards and cash are still accepted at certain council locations including the 91 Willow St service centre

The council’s transactional service manager, Jim Taylor, says many people are choosing direct debit for their rates payments.

“It’s a great option for rates because invoices are paid automatically,” says Jim.

“You can also choose monthly, fortnightly or weekly payment options to help with your budgeting.”

People can find out more about payment options at www.tauranga.govt.nz/payments, or by phoning the council at 07 577 7000.

The council’s website also includes information on rates rebates and remissions for people who are having difficulty paying their rates.