Rates
The Rate Records
The rates are struck in accordance with the details that appear on the Council's valuation database. If a ratepayer notes that some detail on his/her assessment or invoice is incorrect, then contact with Council should be made immediately to correct the record.
The Council's database is available for inspection at the Westport Office or to search on-line using the link below.
Rates Query
Note - while all due care has been taken, Buller District Council does not give any warranty that any information contained is accurate.
Searching Tips:
How do I search for an address?
Enter the street number.streetname, e.g. 92.Derby - note, you should put a . (i.e. dot) between the street number and street name. DO NOT enter a street type, e.g., road, avenue or lane.
Searching valuation number?
Enter the valuation number e.g. 1897008700
To view the online rating database click here
Payment options
Introduction
Council's general rates are based on the land valuation of the property plus a Uniform Annual General Charge (if applicable). Further charges are made for employment projects and services (water supply, sewage disposal, refuse collection and recycling) depending on the situation of the individual property and the ratepayer involved.
The Installment System
Council's rating year is 1 July to 30 June. There are four quarterly installments covering the periods July - September, October - December, January - March, April - June.
The invoices for each respective quarter are forwarded to the ratepayer on or about 1 August, 1 November, 1 February and 1 May. An assessment for the annual rates is included with the first installment invoice only.
If a ratepayer has not received an invoice within seven (7) days of these dates, then contact with Council should be made immediately to ascertain the reason. (It should be noted that the most common cause for this occurrence is that Council has not received a sale notice from the previous owner).
The last day for payment of the quarters are 28 August, 28 November, 28 February and 28 May – any amount not paid by the due dates shown will incur a penalty of 10% of the balance.
How to Pay
Rates may be paid at either the Westport Office or the Reefton Service Centre by cash, cheque and Eftpos but not by credit card. Any post-dated cheque will not be receipted and banked until the date given.
There are also the options of internet banking, telephone banking, direct debit or automatic payment. The valuation number of the property should always be used as the reference when using these options. If you wish to set the Council up for internet or telephone banking our bank account details are as follows:
| NAME | BANK | ACCOUNT NUMBER |
|---|---|---|
| BULLER DISTRICT COUNCIL | WESTPAC | 03-0897-0084770-00 |
To obtain a direct debit or automatic payment form download the pdf's below.
Direct Debit
The direct debit or Easy Pay system leaves the inconvenience of payment to the Council who will action the transfer of the due amount at the appointed date according to the choice of the ratepayer - monthly, quarterly or annually. To access the direct debit information download the application pack pdf below.
Direct Debit Application Pack July 2006
Automatic Payment
The automatic payment is controlled by the ratepayer who lodges the completed form with his/her bank. Payments are then made in accordance with the ratepayer's instructions (weekly, fortnight, monthly etc). To obtain an automatic payment form download the pdf below.
However, it should be noted that the ratepayer him/herself must make any alteration to the payment if the rates increase or decrease which is usually annually.
