Wairoa District Council is continuing to provide options around the late payment of rates and water rates due to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The rates instalment was due for payment last Tuesday, however, there will be no financial penalties incurred for any late payments.

Water accounts are being sent out this week, and again, there are options regarding paying the bill by the due date of March 20.

Wairoa District Council chief executive Kitea Tipuna said Council acknowledges this is a difficult time for some people and does not want to add to the stress by insisting on time payment if that is going to be difficult.

“We hope those people who have not been impacted will still be able to make their payments, but if you can’t, don’t panic, there will be no financial penalties incurred for late payments for this current rate instalment or current water account.

“It is important for us as a community that people who can, continue with their rate payments and Direct Debit Payments so that Council can continue to provide essential services to the community and support our recovery. However, we can also work through options if you think you might have difficulty meeting your next payments.

“By temporarily suspending the penalties for late payments we hope we are taking one less worry away for people in our community. We also know that with communications down, it has been difficult for people to access their bank accounts.”

For Red and Yellow stickered homes, Direct Debit Payments will be paused until further notice. All other monthly and quarterly Direct Debit Payments will be processed next Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

Weekly and fortnightly Direct Debit Payments will start again next Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Direct Debit Payments will be left at the same amount. Going forward there are a few options for people to make up the missed payments, these include:

• Phone or email if you would like your direct debit to be recalculated.
• You can manually pay the missed payments (pay via online banking or pay over the counter at the Wairoa District Council office, Queen Street).
• Continue at your normal amount and the missed payments will be recalculated in the new financial year (after 30 June 2023).

If customers are dealing with hardship, they can also call or email to discuss alternative payment arrangements. Please email rates@wairoadc.govt.nz or phone 06 838 7309. To discuss water billing please email debtors@wairoadc.govt.nz.

For more information about our Cyclone Gabrielle response, please click the button below.

Cyclone Gabrielle

1 March 2023

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