Local Government Minister Simon Watts is no longer able to say that he will save New Zealanders money on rates – yet another broken promise from a government that is making things worse.

“National made promises to ratepayers on water infrastructure they cannot keep, and now they’ve realised it. Simon Watts’ hodge podge approach could leave many households paying almost double the rates they are now,” Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

“Christopher Luxon repealed sensible affordable water reform that would have saved Kiwi households thousands of dollars on their rates bills, purely for political gain. As a result we have increasing rates, crumbling pipes, unsafe water and no long-term plan to fix things.

“National promised they would do better by Kiwis when it came to water. Instead, we have a government hellbent on ignoring Kiwis struggling with the cost of living.

“The New Zealand economy has stalled and the cost of living is higher than ever. This Government just keeps making things worse,” Tangi Utikere said.

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