Western Bay of Plenty District Council is encouraging residents to plan ahead with payment options ahead of cheque payments being phased out in May 2021.

From Thursday, May 20, onwards, Western Bay of Plenty District Council will no longer accept cheques as payment for any of its services, including but not limited to rates, dog registrations, water rates, fines or sundry invoices.

All major banks within New Zealand are removing the use of cheques as a payment option, including Western Bay of Plenty District Council's bank ANZ.

Thursday, May 20, is Council's cut-off date for processing cheque payments. No cheque payments will be accepted after this date.

Council's Chief Executive Miriam Taris says cheque usage has been declining over the years, as people move to alternative methods to receive and make payments which are faster and more secure than using cheques.

'We realise that this is a big change for some of our customers who prefer to make payments via cheque, and we apologise for any inconvenience.

'We want to make things as easy as possible and so encourage these customers to get in touch with our friendly staff. We provide a variety of payment options to suit individual preferences and can assist in setting these up.”

Council's payment options include:

• In person at one of the five library and service centres using eftpos, credit or debit card, or cash
• Online using your credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Please note that payment via credit card attracts a convenience fee of 1.22 per cent
• Via Direct Debit (for Rates and Water) - www.westernbay.govt.nz/direct-debit-set-up
• By Internet Banking
• By telephone transfer (via your Bank)

If you would like to talk to one of our customer service team members, please call 0800 926 732 or email customer.service@westernbay.govt.nz.

For more information please visit www.westernbay.govt.nz.