New Zealand National Party

Media Release

8 August 2017

Robertson must rule out fuel tax for Wellington

National's Wellington-based MPs and candidates are calling for Labour's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson to rule out a regional fuel tax hike for Wellington.

"Wellingtonians are anxious to know whether they’ll be forking out 10 cents more at the pump to pay for Labour’s transport policies.

"Labour has promised regional fuel taxes to fund its pet projects in Auckland, which is alarming Wellingtonians who fear they’ll be next in line to pay more at the pump,” National’s candidate for Wellington Central Nicola Willis says.

Ms Willis is speaking on behalf of Hon Chris Finlayson MP, Chris Bishop MP, and Brett Hudson MP.

"We're calling on Labour’s Finance spokesperson Grant Robertson to rule out a regional fuel tax hike for Wellington,” Ms Willis says.

"Wellingtonians are right to fear Labour uncosted transport policies because it’s hardworking families who will end up out of pocket.

"Regional taxes impose significant compliance costs to businesses and road users, and would result in much higher fuel prices for motorists in Wellington. Taking kids to their soccer game or getting to work in the morning will cost more, if Labour gets its way.

“National is committed to sorting out Wellington’s transport problems, without sneaky price hikes at the pump. The "Let's Get Wellington Moving" project is working through proposals for improvements to our transport network. These plans will need investment and a National Government will fund it. National’s careful fiscal management means no new taxes will be needed.

"Wellingtonians don't deserve to be hit by another tax. Robertson must rule this out.”

ends

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