Cheques are soon to be extinct
NZ banks, including BNZ which is our bank, are removing cheques as a method to receive or make payments over the coming months. This means that after 17 June 2021 we will no longer be able to accept cheques from our customers.
Other payment methods
Luckily there are plenty of other ways you can pay your Hauraki District Council bills:
- Pay by Eftpos at any of our council offices or libraries.
- Use online banking and/or set up an automatic payment to (account number and instructions).
- Talk to our team or fill out a form to set up EasyPay (Direct Debit) and have your rates and/or water charges taken directly from your bank account when they are due, or at a frequency that suits you.
- You can still pay by cash, however for your personal safety and ours, this is our least preferred option.
We’re here to help
If you're uncomfortable or unsure about this change, come and have a chat with our friendly customer services team who will be more than happy to work through other payment options with you.
Questions and answers
Why is Hauraki District Council (HDC) phasing out cheques?
NZ banks are ceasing the processing of cheques over the coming months. This means businesses will shortly be unable to accept cheques as a valid method of payment as the banks will decline them.
Why are NZ banks phasing out cheques?
The number of people using cheques has been in decline over the years, and this means a large number of businesses no longer accept cheques as a payment method. Cheques now represent less than 1 per cent of payments and that figure continues to fall. The banks are telling us that they have reached the point where it makes sense for them to focus payment options on the future, not the past.
Isn’t it illegal to refuse to accept cheques?
No. If you want to pay someone money for goods or services, they are not obliged to accept a cheque. Cheques are not legal tender in New Zealand - only cash (notes and coins) is.
When will the council stop accepting cheques?
Cheques will not be accepted by HDC as a valid form of payment after Thursday 17 June 2021. Please contact our friendly customer service team if you’d like assistance with changing to other payment options.
How will I pay my rates, water, dog registration?
There are plenty of other ways you can pay your Hauraki District Council bills
- Pay by Eftpos or credit card at any of our council offices or libraries
- Use online banking and/or set up an automatic payment to (account number and instructions)
- Talk to our team or fill out a form to set up EasyPay (Direct Debit) and have your rates and/or water charges taken directly from your bank account when they are due or a frequency that suits you.
- You can still pay by cash, however for your personal safety and ours, this is our least preferred option.
What if I’m not sure how to set up other payment options?
We’re here to help. If you’re uncomfortable with this change and not sure what to do next, come and have a chat with our friendly customer services team who will be more than happy to work through other payment options with you.
