Direct Debit
How do I set up a direct debit?
Download and complete the Direct Debit authority form or fill one out at a Council Service Centre.
You choose whether you wish to pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or annually. A fixed amount will come out of your account on the day you have specified. Most people set their direct debits up to go out a few days after their wages have gone into their bank account.
You can either scan, email or deliver the completed Direct Debit authority form to Council.
(Please remember to attach your scanned completed form)
You can post it to the following address:
Rates Department
Marlborough District Council
15 Seymour Street
Blenheim
Alternatively you can hand deliver the form to our Council Service Centres either in Blenheim or Picton:
Blenheim Customer Service Centre
15 Seymour Street
Blenheim
Picton Library and Service Centre
2 Dublin Street
Picton
Please note: The form must be returned to Council, rather than your bank, so that we can load your direct debit information onto your rate account, which allows the payment amount to be calculated.
We will send you a confirmation letter when we have processed your application. The letter will include the amount to be direct debited and confirm the starting date.
What if my bank account that I pay rates from changes?
A new Direct Debit authority form needs to be completed each time there is a change to your bank account, whether it is a complete change of bank account or just a minor detail such as the suffix number.
Please note: All new direct debit authority forms are to be returned to Council and not your bank.
How do I cancel a direct debit authority?
Please write or email us advising you would like to cancel your Direct Debit authority.
Our postal address is:
Rates Department
Marlborough District Council
15 Seymour Street
Blenheim
You will need to allow two to three days notice. Council cannot cancel a Direct Debit on the same date as the request is received.
Please don't cancel a Direct Debit authority with your bank directly, as this automatically results in the bank putting a stop on any future payment to Council.
Can I transfer my direct debit if I sell my property or buy another?
Council can use your existing Direct Debit authority on any property that you own, now or in the future, if you advise us you wish to do so.
What happens if I subdivide my property?
If you have a Direct Debit authority which is for a property you are subdividing we will transfer your direct debit to any new property that remains in your name, unless you advise us not to.
When will my direct debit be processed?
From 27 May, New Zealand banking providers switch to 7-day payment processing. This means that direct debit payments can be processed on any day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.
How will this change affect you?
There will be no change to when your direct debit is taken, as Council will only process direct debits Monday through to Friday (excluding Public Holidays). This means, if your direct debit date falls on a weekend or Public Holiday, it will be processed the next working day.
This is a transactional change all New Zealand banks are making, so all you have to do is ensure that you have enough funds in your bank account on your usual payment date.
