Hamiltonians have started receiving their new-look rates and water invoices.
The change follows the establishment of IAWAI – Flowing Waters, which became responsible for delivering water and wastewater services across Hamilton City and Waikato District from 1 July.
Ratepayers will continue to receive a single combined invoice and make a single payment to Council using their usual payment method. Water and wastewater charges are now shown separately on the invoice as IAWAI water services charges.
Hamilton City Council Financial Support Services Manager Matthew Bell said while the invoice may look a little different this year, the good news is that ratepayers don't need to do anything differently and can continue to pay their invoice in the same way they always have.
"It's important to note that the water and wastewater amounts shown on the invoice are not charges for new services. These costs have previously been collected through rates, but presenting them separately provides greater transparency about the cost of delivering these essential services."
For those who have set up a regular payment arrangement, both rates and IAWAI water services charges will be included automatically. Customers who pay manually can continue to use their usual Council payment method to pay the amount shown on their invoice.
Ratepayers will see an increase in this year's total invoice compared with last year. Council rates increased by an average of 6.9% for 2026/27, excluding water services charges. When Council rates and IAWAI water services charges are combined, the average increase is 9.8%, around one-third lower than the 14.5% increase originally forecast in Council's Long-Term Plan.
The combined rates and water charges are payable in four equal instalments, with the first instalment due on 3 September 2026.
Ratepayers who would prefer to spread payments differently can continue to set up a flexible payment plan by scanning the QR code included on their invoice.
The Government's rates rebate scheme has also been extended to include both rates and water charges. Hamilton City Council will continue to administer the scheme and will include IAWAI water services charges when calculating rebate entitlements.
IAWAI is jointly owned by Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council and was formed to deliver water services more efficiently across the two council areas.
More information about rates and how they're calculated is available on Council's website.