Thank you for taking the time to provide us with information about how we can best help you and your members and networks with the change to our rates collection processes.

25 contributions to the survey were received.

In summary, you told us that:

• Internet banking, direct debit and in person payments are the preferred method of paying Regional Council rates.
• Some barriers include lack of funds for regular direct debit payments, lack of control of money going out, access to computers or internet banking, shortened timeframe of instalment dates.
• It would be easier if we supported quarterly payments, instalments, educated the community on the changes, removed penalties, changed the timing of payment due dates to align with TLA’s, retained current system.
• The most popular way to contact clients is by email, letter, social media and radio advertising.
• Some of the concerns or questions from ratepayers will be around why the change, concerns there may be a rate increase, how to make payments, possible transfer of credit from TLA’s to Regional Council.
• Seven organisations would like posters and four would like flyers.

General other feedback you gave us:

• Two rating authorities will make things difficult
• This is making things harder for people
• People with arrears will need additional support
• Annual payments vs quarterly is not promoted well enough

This feedback is appreciated and provides us with a good steer around how we can best support people through this change. Posters and flyers will be sent to those who requested them by the end of August.

Thank you again for your contribution.

What’s changing?

Since Bay of Plenty Regional Council was established in 1989, our rates have been invoiced and collected by the seven city and district councils across the region.

We want to be more transparent and accountable for the work we do for you, which is why we’re making changes to how our rates are invoiced and paid in 2022.

Ratepayers will receive one invoice from Bay of Plenty Regional Council in either August or September 2022 (depending on where they live in the region), which is due on 20 October.

Why the change?

We want to be more transparent and accountable for the work we do. By invoicing our ratepayers directly, we hope they’ll have better visibility of where their money is spent to create a healthy environment, freshwater for life, safe and resilient communities, and a vibrant Bay of Plenty region.

More can be found on the changing of rates collection by visiting our website Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rates (www.boprc.govt.nz/rates)