KCDC becomes ‘MagiQ’ in  rates mess-up

By Alan Tristram

The KCDC has apologised for sending a rates demand to Kapiti Coasters suggesting it came from their  ‘MagiQ’ Council…in Christchurch.

Adding to the magic dust, the email from the Kapiti Coast Council gave a Christchurch phone number for ratepayers who wanted details.

It all began with a ‘MagiQ’ email (sent by the KCDC) saying:

‘The attached file contains your current MagiQ Council rates assessment.

This file is in place of your printed rates account.

Should you have any queries regarding this account please email our Rates Office 

at rates@magiqcouncil.govt.nz <mailto:rates@magiqcouncil.govt.nz> or telephone 

(03) 355 5550.’ 

KCDC apology

The KCDC apo9logy sent out later in the day says:

“It may be the tail end of the silly season but some Kāpiti ratepayers may have been left scratching their heads today after receiving an email accompanying their latest rates instalment from Council.

“The email appeared to come from ‘MagiQ’ Council and gave a Christchurch number for enquiries.

‘New software’

Rates Manager Brent Waterhouse adds:”The error occurred when council was using new software for the first time.

“Our software provider appears to have selected a test email message instead of the legitimate one from the Council.  We have since sent a replacement email and invoice to the four and a half thousand ratepayers affected, with an apology.

“Needless to say, we are a little red-faced but hope people will understand.”

Mr Waterhouse says it was only the email message that was affected, not the attached rates invoice instalment.  However any enquiries about the offending email should be sent to emailrates@kapiticoast.govt.nz<mailto:emailrates@kapiticoast.govt.nz>