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287 days ago

West Coast ratepayers have direct debits charged twice

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

The West Coast Regional Council rates mess has reared its head again with the council admitting an "administration error" caused some ratepayers to be charged twice through direct debit.

Council's Risk and Audit Committee chairperson Frank Dooley said front line staff have been wearing the outcome of a poor system, which reflected years of under investment because of a fear of "putting the rates up".

The latest blunder comes after council overcharged some West Coast ratepayers last year, forcing officials to reissue invoices in December.

Invoices for 2023-24, from December 12, should show exactly what people owed for their second installment, Dooley said.

Ratepayers have been contacting the Local Democracy Reporting and posting to social media after their rates direct debits were double dipped - and sometimes for variable amounts.

"Incomprehensible" invoices, some with charges dated as 2022-23 instead of 2023-24, have also been pointed out.

Council chief executive Darryl Lew said the direct debit mistake reflected ongoing issues with council's rates accounting system.

"We acknowledge the administration error that resulted in duplicate payments, those individuals affected have been reimbursed within 24 hours," he said.

Council had also responded "to a small number" of ratepayers concerned at their accounts, and having "difficulty understanding the invoices".

"We appreciate this is a complex matter for many ratepayers and rates direct debits are calculated on an individual basis, taking into consideration many factors including rating district levies and the ratepayer's current account balances."

Lew said the direct debits have been recalculated to reflect the difference between the previous rates payments and the new calculation for the rating period.

"Those affected ratepayers will be notified in due course," he said.

In the first problem to arise, as the 2023-24 invoices arrived, ratepayers in special rating districts like Greymouth and at Harihari were shocked to find huge rates increases of up to 300%.

The final due date was January 20, after two previous payment extensions.

However, ratepayers were encouraged late last year to still pay their first incorrect installment, with the assurance this would be balanced out with the second installment.

Lew was also asked why the refreshed 2023-24 rates invoices sent out on December 12 still had 2022-23 quoted at the bottom.

Dooley, an accountant, said the new invoices sent out should have said 2023-24.

The invoice system problem reflected wider issues affecting council administration due to under investment, he said.

Dooley said they are waiting a final report from Price Waterhouse Cooper, commissioned by council late last year, to investigate the rates system.

"We need to improve that system but without seeing the PWC report, I can't make further comment."

Council rates staff have been "inundated" over the issue.

"There was a system break down and that shouldn't have been the case. Councils need to make sure the systems are right.

"Why haven't we got an annual report? Exactly the same problem: we haven't invested in systems and we haven't invested in people," he said.

"The lack of investment over a number of years is coming back to bite us and we have got to change that."

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64% Yes
    64% Complete
  • 33.4% No
    33.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
1577 votes
1 day ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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16 hours ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

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