Delay with 2024-25 rates notices for instalment 1

Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) is set to be adopted later than usual due to 3 Waters reform brought about by the change in Central Government. This has unfortunately delayed the 2024-25 rates instalment notices.

We expect the LTP to be adopted on 28 August and we will issue rates notices on 30 August to be in mailboxes by 10 September. The due date for the first rates instalment will be changed to the end of September and will be shown on invoices.

FAQs

Why is there a delay in rates notices arriving?

Rates notices can’t be sent out until the Long Term Plan has been adopted. The Long-Term Plan has been delayed as a result of 3 Waters reform brought about by the change in Central Government.

How long will the delay in rates notice for instalment 1 be?

Council is on track for the Long Term Plan to be adopted on 28 August, which will mean we will issue rates notices on 30 August to be in mailboxes by 10 September.

When is the first rates instalment payment due?

The due date for the first rates instalment will be changed to the end of September and will be shown on invoices.

What about late payment penalties?

The late payment penalty date for Instalment 1 has been set for 8 October to give ratepayers reasonable time to pay.

Why have some other Councils not experienced this issue?

Some Councils have adopted Long Term Plans already and have sent their rates notices out. Mostly these are bigger Councils which were able to work on two separate Long Term Plans factoring in both water reform scenarios (one with and one without 3 waters). Some Councils have also done a less intensive annual plan this year instead of a Long Term Plan.

I pay by direct debit, what does this mean for me?

As your rates are paid by regular direct debt (whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly) you do not need to take any action to make sure your rates are paid by the due date in September. After the LTP has been adopted, Council will recalculate the amount of your direct debit to ensure that your rates for the year are paid in full by 9 June 2025. We will advise you if any change to your direct debit amount is required before it takes effect. This annual direct debit recalculation usually takes place in July each year but is also delayed until the LTP is adopted.

How will I receive my rates notice now then?

The way you receive your rates notice will be unchanged.

What does this mean for the timing of the rest of the year’s rates?

Only the first rates installment will be delayed, with the rest to run as scheduled.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Council on rates@southwaikato.govt.nz or (07) 885 0340.