Almost here ... get ready for the switchover

Auckland Libraries says residents can use their existing library card at any of the region's 55 libraries and four mobile libraries. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Council replaces eight councils in the region on Monday, meaning changes for everyone.

These include a different phone number for the 24-hour call centre and specific agencies for transport and water.

Merger preparations are based on a golden rule - no disruption to council services.

All the old phone numbers and internet addresses for council call centres will work and will redirect to the new ones.

Auckland Libraries says residents can use their existing library card at any of the region's 55 libraries and four mobile libraries.

Rubbish and recycling collection dates are unchanged.

Existing water bill payment arrangements to former retailers such as Metrowater and Manukau Water will be automatically directed to the succeeding company, Watercare Services.

Three categories of service centres, full, local and neighbourhood, are located in each local board area from Warkworth to Pukekohe and from Huapai to Great Barrier Island.

More than 20 service centres used by the former councils in civic and library buildings will remain open for face-to-face contact with staff and for bill payments.

In addition to post and online payments, Bank of New Zealand and PostShop branches across the region will accept payments for Auckland Council, Watercare and Auckland Transport.

How to get in touch

* Auckland Council main number: (09) 301-0101 (24 hours), or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

* Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142. For rubbish, recycling, rates, fees, building/resource consents, licensing, dog registration, noise control, vandalism, housing.

* Auckland Transport (09) 355-3553 (24 hours). For public transport, roadworks, footpaths, parking fines.

* For information on buses, trains and ferries, go to maxx.co.nz or phone Maxx call centre (09) 366-6400 or 0800-103-080. Service centres open 8am-5pm in the civic buildings in Takapuna, Manukau, Auckland CBD and Henderson.

* Watercare Services (09) 442-2222 (faults 24 hours). Customer services 7.30 am-6 pm.

* For drinking and waste water, go to watercare.co.nz