Rates and charges

Will you still be sending out invoices for property and water rates?

Yes, water meter readings will continue, and water rates notices will be sent out as planned.

Will everyone’s water use go up as we wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus?

The amount of water used by handwashing is a very small part of a household’s daily use so most people’s bills will be very similar to previously bills.

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Invoices for property and water rates

Invoices for water rates for Paraparaumu, Raumati, Raumati Beach, Raumati South and Paekakariki are due out shortly, and will go out at the end of April as planned.

Our water meter readers have not been collecting readings during the Alert Level 4 period as this is not deemed an essential service. This means we will need to estimate water use for those in the Paraparaumu, Raumati and Paekakariki areas. 

Estimated invoices for water use

We will estimate how much water you have used based on your average daily water use from your last bill. We will apply this average over the days in the current period. 

For example, if you used an average of 0.45m³/day of water in the previous three-month period we will use this to calculate your water use for the April bill. The fixed charges portion of your invoice is not affected by being unable to read your water meter.

Incorrect estimates

We expect to be able to restart most water meter readings at Alert Level 3, which means we plan to take actual readings for your next scheduled invoicing cycle in July. There may be slight corrections in your next bill if you used more or less than the average we used to calculate your current bill. If you’re concerned about the estimate you’ve received, please contact us at [email protected] or 0800 486 486.

Businesses that have been closed

Commercial properties will also be invoiced using the daily average water use from your last bill. There may be slight corrections in your next bill if your business was not operating during Alert Level 4.

If you’re concerned about the estimate you’ve received please contact us at [email protected] or 0800 486 486.

Leaks in the last period

We know there may be a few properties that have had leaks that are now fixed, so the water use in the previous three months may not be an accurate basis for calculating recent use. Unfortunately, as there are over 7,000 readings to be processed every month we won’t be individually checking for those that have a high reading because of an historical leak. 

What we can do is sort it out with you if this has happened. If your last bill was high because of a leak that has now been fixed, and your current bill seems to be too high, please contact us to arrange a minimum payment until a reading can be taken.

Contact [email protected] or 0800 486 486 for any queries.

How increased handwashing affects water use

The amount of water used for handwashing is a very small part of a household’s daily use, so most people’s bills will be very similar to previously.

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Many of our essential functions including your drinking water supply and waste water services will continue through all COVID-19 response alert levels, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our teams are working hard behind the scenes to ensure our district keeps running, no matter. We rely on property and water rate payments to do this.

We acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for many in our community and to ensure we aren’t adding to what is already a stressful time, we will not be actively pursuing payments until things are back on track.

If you are having issues paying your rates, please talk to us about your situation. There are payment plan options available, including options for assistance and penalty remission and we will work with you to try and find a solution that is right for you. If you have been financially affected by the impacts of COVID-19 please register your interest in our Support package.

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We acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for many in our community and to ensure we aren’t adding to what is already a stressful time, we will not be actively pursuing payments until things are back on track.

If you are having issues paying your rates, give us a call to talk about your situation. There are a number of payment plan options available, including options for assistance, and we will work with you on a solution that is right for you.

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Our Council service centres are open, but operating under COVID-19 safety measures. Customers can also leave their rates payment (cheques only – not cash) in the mailbox slot adjacent to the entrance doors of Council’s Service Centre at 169 Rimu Road, to avoid the physical distancing and contact-tracing requirements required to enter. No receipt will be issued.

You can find more information on other ways to pay at Payment options. 

We will not be actively pursuing payments from you until things get back on track. If you’re concerned that you can’t pay in your usual payment method please talk to us about your situation.

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Our Council service centres are open to accept and witness rates rebate applications, operating under COVID-19 safety measures, so there may be waiting times on entry. Please contact us to discuss other ways that an application can be made.

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Our libraries are open.

Check the library website and Facebook page for further information.

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