A MAJORITY of Manukau City councillors are recognising that citizens and businesses are feeling the financial pinch by refusing to support another new tax.
Nine councillors recently resisted a drive by Mayor Len Brown and senior council officers to support the introduction of the proposed new 5c a litre regional petrol tax contained in the Auckland Regional Council’s annual plan for 2008/9.
Pakuranga councillor Dick Quax pushed for the change to the Manukau council’s initial official position. Those also against the introduction of the new tax at this time are councillors Daniel Newman, Michael Williams, Anne Candy, Jami-Lee Ross, Arthur Anae, Sylvia Taylor, Bob Wichman and John Walker.
Mr Quax says the ARC wants the tax implemented “primarily” to further its plans for rail electrification across the region.
“Too many people in Manukau are hurting financially at the moment, with food prices rising and mortgage repayments going up. An additional tax on the people of Manukau is unacceptable,” says Mr Quax.
“With petrol having risen 60c in just over 12 months and the government’s share getting larger and larger, it’s time to show leadership and give people some tax relief.
“I’m grateful the majority of councillors agreed with me,” says Mr Quax.
Mr Brown is disappointed to be defeated on the regional tax issue. He was supported by councillors Gary Troup, Maggie Burrill, Alf Filipaina, David Collings, Sharon Stewart and Hugh Graham.
“I personally don’t support this decision,” says Mr Brown, of the withdrawal of Manukau’s support for the new fuel tax.
“My main concern is that any debate about funding will end up affecting progress in getting the public transport upgrades Manukau and the Auckland region desperately needs. Particularly when we’ve at last got some momentum in improving public transport.
“I do want to emphasise my concern that petrol is another rising cost that people are struggling to deal with. But in the long term good public transport will give people the choice to avoid rising petrol prices,” says Mr Brown.
Despite being a rail user and “strong supporter of public transport”, Mr Newman says new public transport infrastructure should be paid for “through Crown contributions”.
“The wallets of local motorists are bleeding all over the forecourts of petrol stations across Manukau,” says Mr Newman.
“To expect some of the poorest workers and superannuitants to fork out yet another 5c a litre in more fuel tax is just not realistic. People can’t afford these price increases.
“Every time we fill up our cars with unleaded petrol, nearly 38 per cent of the money paid goes to the government in the form of taxes and levies.
“Frankly it’s time for commuters across the Auckland region to receive their fair share of funding,” says Mr Newman.
