Aucklanders reject Twyford’s fuel tax again
National Party Spokesperson for Transport
29 May 2018
Aucklanders reject Twyford’s fuel tax again
With a majority of Aucklanders opposed to the proposed regional fuel tax, it is time for Transport Minister Phil Twyford to abandon his plans to tax Aucklanders more, National Party Transport Spokesperson Jami-Lee Ross says.
"51 per cent of the over 14,000 submissions to the Auckland Council on the regional fuel tax make the clear case that Aucklanders do not want new taxes,” Mr Ross says.
"Opposition to this tax has been strengthening with each round of consultation.
“Aucklanders have now told the Transport Minister multiple times that they do not want his new taxes, yet he arrogantly continues to insist he knows better.
“The Government has refused to look at alternatives to the regional fuel tax, like requiring the Council to follow through on its promise to find savings in its own budget.
“On Auckland Council’s own numbers, if they could find the 3-6 per cent of savings Mayor Phil Goff promised a fuel tax would not be needed.
“Instead, Phil Twyford and the Government are doggedly pursuing plans to tax Aucklanders more, and then rolling the tax across the country in a few years’ time.
“Families are already facing record high fuel prices. Now is not the time to impose additional new fuel taxes.
“National remains committed to funding Auckland’s transport needs like Penlink, Mill Road, the City Rail Link and the Eastern Busway without resorting to new taxes.
“The Government has failed to make its case and they should listen to the public’s call to abandon regional fuel taxes.”