Since an increasing number of people fall behind their bills, debt collectors have been called in by the Councils.
Hikes in debts have been noticed in the country's largest local bodies as ratepayers make earnest efforts to pay their bills on time. This year witnessed Baycorp's business from local authorities increasing by 15%. 
It should be noted that money is gathered by the company for nearly 40 councils across the country. 
According to General manager Joe Nel, an earnest effort is being made by them to follow up unpaid rates, building consent fees and even the late return, or non-return, of library books.
An enormous $9 million was held by Manukau City at the end of June in outstanding rates and owed only under $37 million, up almost $8 million from last year.
"North Shore City ended the financial year with almost $5 million owing in rates, compared with just $3 million last year. And Auckland City ended its financial year with almost $18 million outstanding - some $14 million in rates compared with $13 million last year," said a source. 
It should be noted though that a spokesman has informed that since June, a sum of $5 million out of that has been paid.