13 May 2009
Media release

Aucklanders face skyrocketing water rates: Gee thanks, Mr Key

Many Auckland ratepayers could face huge increases in their water bills under the Government's Super City plans, says Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford.

“A North Shore family currently paying around $900 a year would be looking at an annual bill of around $1600 with the Government's planned shift to volumetric pricing.*

"That’s an extra $700 dollars. On top of that Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says Aucklanders will also have to pay for implementing the new Super City, estimated to be hundreds of dollars per ratepayer,” Phil Twyford says.

"This is a bit rich coming from the self-proclaimed Minister for Ratepayers who told a Local Body conference in February: ‘it’s a good test for a planned spend-up to get the agreement of those who are paying for it.’

“Labour is not opposed to volumetric pricing which can encourage water conservation, but the way the Government is going about its Super City plan Auckland ratepayers are getting whacked from all directions," Phil Twyford says.

"The Government is ramming through a controversial version of the Super City that guts local democracy. It is not consulting Aucklanders and is in the process of legislating away their right to a referendum.

“Rodney Hide says Aucklanders are going to have to pay for the costs of establishing the Super City. But John Key has admitted in the House they don’t know how much it is going to cost. All we know is they expect Aucklanders to pick up the tab.

"Skyrocketing water rates will add yet another expense. Most Auckland councils have not been charging for water by volume. Waitakere and Manukau will face similar increases to North Shore.

"The Government should stop this madness, consult Aucklanders properly, do the costings, and come clean with Aucklanders so people know exactly what it is going to cost them."

* Calculations based on a comparative analysis of water charging, assuming a high-use family and volumetric pricing as used by Metrowater in Auckland City.

ENDS

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