A spokesperson for Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has
corrected misinformation from central government about Three
Waters costs.
Last month, Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern incorrectly told media that Auckland rates
would go up by 7% if the controversial Three Waters
legislation does not go ahead.
It was clarified that
the Prime Minister was referring to water charges, for which
Watercare has advised Mayor Brown that the average household
in the Auckland region paid $89 a month in 2021/22. A 7%
rise on $89 would be $6.23 per month.
However, Mayor
Brown has disputed even that figure and has publicly asked
central government for numbers in support of the Prime
Minister’s assertion.
A spokesperson for Local
Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has since claimed
the 7% figure came from Watercare and was also included in
Auckland Council's Long-Term Plan.
“Watercare has
advised Mayor Brown, in writing, it has not provided any
advice to central government regarding price rises in the
event the current proposal does not go ahead, and nor is
there any such claim in Auckland Council's Long-Term
Plan,” a spokesperson for the Mayor said
today.
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