Council transforms online transactions

The way customers request, receive and pay for many Council services is being transformed with the roll-out of a suite of fully online transactions over coming months.

The new online services are being released alongside a complete renewal of the Council’s website. Launched on 1 November, the new website is designed specifically for local governments and delivers a brighter, more user-friendly experience to the public.

The first new online transaction option to be made available is the Council’s property file requests process. Previously, customers were required to submit a request via email, phone or in person. They would pay either in person or by credit card over the phone. Staff then completed the property file process manually.

Now customers can select any Far North property online, place an order for its file, and pay for the service via a secure web payment gateway – all in a single online session. The file will then be emailed to the customer.

Other online transactions due to be added early in the new year will include options to complete and pay for dog registrations, pay rates, and register and track maintenance requests for roads and other Council facilities. 

Far North District Council CEO, Shaun Clarke, says one of the most crucial changes will be smart phone responsiveness. “We know that more and more of our customers access our website from their mobile phones. Our new website is optimised for mobile devices and, as we roll out new online services, transactions that once had to be completed with a phone call or in person will be available anytime, anywhere.”

Mr Clarke says a key goal of the new website and online transaction services is to increase options for customers. “We know some people will still want to phone us directly or come to a service centre to discuss their issues in person. Customers can still do that – those options will not be reduced or replaced.”

He says one service the team is particularly excited about is the launch next year of a secure log-on for customers. “Those who opt to register with us will be able to view all their transactions with the Council in one place. This could be requests for service, invoice payments, building consent applications and much more.”

Further online transaction services will be made available in February 2020.