The 2022-2023 Bay of Plenty Regional Council annual rates invoices have started being sent out to ratepayers across the region.

It's the first time since the regional council was formed in 1989, that's its collecting its own rates.

'Until now, we've contracted this out to the region's city and district councils to do this on our behalf,” says a council spokesperson.

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

'By invoicing you directly, you will have better visibility of where your money is spent to create a healthy environment, freshwater for life, safe and resilient communities and a vibrant Bay of Plenty region.”

There are plenty of ways people can pay their rates invoice, including by direct debit, in person at one of our offices, at your local NZ Post Office shop or online.

Direct debit means you can pay your rates invoice in regular instalments – weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or annually – which is handy for budgeting and means you don't have to worry about remembering to make a payment.

It also means that you won't get charged a penalty on any amount that is still owing after the due date of October 20 for the current rates year.

For any changes to the payment amount, council will always let you know before taking the funds from your account and you can cancel the direct debit at any time by contacting us.

For more information about the changes and how to pay your rates go to: www.boprc.govt.nz/rates Or call our rates team on: 0800 BOP RATES (0800 267 728).

Ratepayers will continue to receive rates invoices from their city or district council for the services they provide, which will need to be paid to them.