Porirua City Council is facing mounting criticism over claims it is pushing residents into direct debit rates payments and penalising those who refuse. Ratepayers say the council is cutting off previously available payment options, failing to communicate changes, and hitting households with large and unexpected bills.
Jenny Petherick told Porirua News she has paid her rates by automatic payment for more than 30 years and has no intention of switching to direct debit. In June, she hand-delivered a letter to the council after receiving notice that automatic payments would be replaced, but says she never received a reply. “I also tried ringing twice, no answer,” Petherick said. “If we do not pay our rates by the due date we will be charged a penalty, how unreasonable.”
Yvette Rigby, another long-term automatic payer, said she was shocked to be told she was behind on her payments and would need to pay $1,000 within a month to avoid a 10 percent penalty. “I received no notification of any changes to my payment plan,” Rigby said. “It is extraordinary that the council would take such a harsh stance without clear communication, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
Critics argue that forcing residents into direct debits removes their control over household finances, particularly for those on fixed or low incomes who need to manage payments closely. They warn it also reduces ratepayers’ ability to monitor increases and plan ahead.
Some residents are calling for the policy to be scrapped immediately, for an apology to be issued to those affected, and for assurances that multiple payment options will remain available without penalties.
Porirua News has contacted the council for comment and requested any internal directives relating to payment methods. Their response is expected soon and will form the focus of our next update.