Find out about how and where you can pay your Waikato Regional Council rates invoice. You’ll also find information on penalty charges for late payment.
On this page: Due date, Payment methods, Direct debit - the best way to pay, Penalties, More information
Due date
The last date for payment for this year's rates is Monday, 31 October 2011.
Payment methods
Credit card payments
You can pay your rates by Visa or Mastercard.
• To do this online now, please click here.
• Over the phone by calling our rates team on Waikato Regional Council's freephone 0800 800 401.
Please have your rates invoice with you as the invoice number is required for credit card payments.
Only Visa or Mastercard payments are accepted.
There is an additional 2.3 per cent or $3 minimum convenience charge for all credit card payments. The Waikato Regional Council does not receive any part of this fee.
Paying by mail
Please make cheques payable to Waikato Regional Council, place them in the prepaid envelope provided with your payment slip and post to:
Waikato Regional Council
Private Bag 3219
Waikato Mail Centre
HAMILTON 3240
Phone banking
Please phone your personal bank for more information.
Internet banking
Log on to internet banking and select Waikato Regional Council from your bill payee options.
Direct debit - the best way to pay
- No more lump sum payments … unless you choose to.
- No more yearly bank fees for altering payment amounts.
- No more penalties for late payment.
- No more underpayments or overpayments.
YOU CHOOSE…
Weekly – Thursday
Fortnightly – Thursday
Monthly – 20th of the Month
Quarterly – 20 August, November, February and May
Annual – 31 October 2011 (Last date for payment.)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between direct debit and an automatic payment?
Direct debit is designed to make payment easier for the ratepayer. You select the frequency and the start date of the payment and it is drawn from your account for you. Each year the payment will rollover and recalculate, the new direct debit amount will be displayed on your new invoice. There are no fees for this service.
Automatic payments are for fixed amounts on a regular frequency and can only be changed by you through the bank – sometimes at a fee. The amount may need to be changed and the references given will need to be updated yearly.
Can I withdraw from the service at anytime?
Yes you can withdraw at any time – please call our Rates Team to arrange the cancellation. We need you to contact us at least two working days before so we can action your request.
How much does it cost me to pay by direct debit?
The Waikato Regional Council does not charge a processing fee, however please check with your bank to see how their fees are applied.
Direct debit / automatic payment forms
Use our direct debit or automatic payment forms below in PDF format to set up your rates payment option. You can also:
Once you have completed and signed the form, please return it to Waikato Regional Council, 401 Grey Street, Hamilton East, or post it to:
Waikato Regional Council
Private Bag 3038
Waikato Mail Centre
HAMILTON 3240
Direct debit form
Automatic payment form
Spreading payments
You can pay your invoice off over the year and will not incur any penalties if arrangements are made. Contact us to set up a payment amount, or call our Rates Team on Waikato Regional Council’s Freephone 0800 800 401. You can also email us on rates@waikatoregion.govt.nz.
Counter payments
Pay by cash, cheque or eftpos at either a New Zealand Post Shop or 'Books and More' shop.
You can also call into any of Waikato Regional Council's offices within the region:
Hamilton office
401 Grey Street
Hamilton East
Taupo office
Corner Titiraupenga and Paora Hapi Streets
Taupo
Paeroa office
13 Opatito Road
Paeroa
Whitianga office
33-35 Albert Street
Whitianga
Hamilton City Council office
Garden Place
Hamilton
Penalties
The 2.5 per cent early payment discount on rates has been removed.
If rates are not paid in full or if you have not made a payment arrangement agreed with Waikato Regional Council, the following penalties will be charged on rates outstanding:
- 6 July – 10 per cent penalty applied to prior years’ rates outstanding
- 1 November – 10 per cent penalty applied to current year’s rates outstanding.
Find out more about rates penalties, remission and postponement requirements.
More information
Check out our privacy statement to find out more about the use of ratepayer-supplied information.
Find out more about what your rates pay for and how to work out your property’s rates.
Update your contact details.
Check out frequently asked questions about rates, or contact us if you would like more details.
See our corporate planning documents.
More information is also available from our rates team on Waikato Regional Council’s Freephone 0800 800 401 or email us on rates@waikatoregion.govt.nz or you can write to us at:
Waikato Regional Council
Private Bag 3038
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240