Council to stop accepting cheques

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

From Thursday 20th May onwards, Western Bay of Plenty District Council will no longer accept cheques as payment for any of its services. All major banks within New Zealand are removing the use of cheques as a payment option, and no cheques 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 which are faster and more secure. “We realise that this is a big change for some of our customers, and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

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 which attracts a convenience fee of 1.22%); via Direct Debit (for Rates and Water) www.westernbay.govt.nz/direct-debit-set-up; by internet banking and by telephone transfer (via your bank).

If you would like to talk to one of the 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. Article supplied.