Regional fuel tax becomes law

Wednesday, 27 June 2018, 10:45 am
Article: RNZ

The government's regional fuel tax changes have become law this evening, ahead of its planned introduction in Auckland on Sunday.

It means Aucklanders will be paying another 11.5 cents at the pump, in order to pay for major transport projects.

Politicians have just finished debating the Regional Fuel Tax bill at Parliament - and the National Party made its opposition known.

That's despite accidentally not voting against the bill at Second Reading in what appeared to be a lapse of focus at the late hour.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford told the House he was excited about the possibilities for transport infrastructure, and coming solutions to congestion, once the tax is implemented in New Zealand's biggest and most congested city.

Mr Twyford told the House that Auckland Council would be accountable for how it uses the money.

"It's important that Auckland Council doesn't just start projects, but it completes them - on time and on budget."

National Party transport spokesperson Jami-Lee Ross said all Mr Twyford was doing was giving his counterpart at Auckland Council a handout.

"The reason why we're passing this legislation is because it lets Auckland Council off the hook," he said.

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