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About Gate Fees and Charges, and Vehicle Recognition

Why the change?

Refuse Transfer Stations (RTS) are partly funded by Hauraki District ratepayers. Previously, users from outside the district have not contributed equally to the cost of running these facilities.

The new system:

  • Ensures fair costs for everyone
  • Speeds up service at the weighbridge
  • Reduces manual errors
  • Minimises staff confrontation

It’s all about fairness, sustainability, and smoother service.

Who qualifies for the discounted Gate Fees and Charges

Residents, ratepayers, absentee property owners, and local businesses with a Hauraki District address, who register the number plates of their vehicles with our system, qualifies for the discounted Gate Fees and Charges.

Vehicles not connected to a Hauraki District address will be charged the standard Gate Fees and Charges.

If you choose not to register, you’ll automatically pay the standardGate Fees and Charges.

How do I register my vehicle?

Online

Residents and ratepayers are encouraged to register online from 22 October, or, if after 1 December, at least three working days before visiting your local RTS, as digital records take 48 hours to update.

Register your vehicles for discount charges

Need help to register?

22 October to 1 December 2025: Contact our friendly Waste Management Team on 07 862 5030 or visit our pop-up sessions at our Paeroa and Waihī RTS, and Ngātea Recycling and Greenwaste collection centre (dates to be advertised in advance).

From 1 December 2025: Visit Hauraki District Council Service Centres or call 07 862 8609 or freephone 0800 734 834.

You’ll receive confirmation from Council once your registration has been accepted, and staff will contact you directly if any issues arise.

How the system works

When you drive onto the weighbridge:

  1. The system scans your number plate
  2. It checks if your vehicle is registered with HDC
  3. The correct Gate Fees and Charges are automatically applied

Keep your plate clean and visible for the scanner to read easily.

Recycling drop-offs remain free when items are clean and sorted correctly.

Updating your details

If you or your vehicle's details change, you’ll need to update your registration details with both NZTA/Waka Kotahi and Council.

You can register more than one vehicle with us, as long as each is linked to a Hauraki District address.

Remember - charges are based on the vehicle’s registration address, not the driver.

Privacy and security

The system records your number plate for billing purposes only. Hauraki District Council complies with the Privacy Act 2020. No personal driving history is collected. View our Privacy Statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

No, registration is optional. From 1 December 2025 the new Gate Fees and Charges will apply. Register three working days before visiting the RTS.

22 October to 1 December 2025: Contact our friendly Waste Management Team on 07 862 5030 or visit our pop-up sessions at our Paeroa and Waihī RTS, and Ngātea Recycling and Greenwaste collection centre (dates to be advertised in advance).

From 1 December 2025: Visit Hauraki District Council Service Centres or call 07 862 8609 or freephone 0800 734 834.

You’ll receive confirmation from Council once your registration has been accepted, and staff will contact you directly if any issues arise.

Yes! Hauraki District residents and ratepayers are eligible. Absentee ratepayers can also apply, as they’re already in HDC’s ratepayer database. Make sure your vehicle details are current with NZTA/Waka Kotahi before registering with us.

Businesses and Commercial Vehicles

Yes. All vehicles must be registered. Hauraki District based businesses should register their vehicles to receive the discounted Gate Fees and Charges. Out-of-district businesses will pay the standard Gate Fees and Charges.

Using the System

Vehicles not registered in the Hauraki District will be charged the standard charge.

No. The system charges based on the towing vehicle’s number plate.

Staff will process your transaction manually. Once the system is back online, normal operation resumes.

Yes. Keep your receipt and contact Council with proof of address. Staff will review your case.

Yes, all vehicles must go over the weighbridge.

Payments

No cash is not accepted at our RTS. Payment options remain the same — EFTPOS, credit, and debit cards are accepted. Only the fees and charges calculation has changed.

System and Process

Staff can check your details manually. Keep plates clean and visible to avoid delays.

No. The system is designed to speed up processing and reduce manual checks.

Currently, it applies to Waihī and Paeroa RTS. Council may extend it to other sites later.

It supports waste minimisation by ensuring fair cost recovery while keeping recycling services free for everyone.

Hauraki District Council only receives your vehicle details through a secure process strictly for applying the correct RTS fees and charges. Your information is used solely to confirm eligibility for discounted fees and charges and is not shared for any other purpose.

No. Clean and sorted recycling continues to be free.

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