Apparently the Auckland City Council doesn't believe they are getting enough money with their 10% per year rate rise, and so are increasing water rates by 9.6% as well. Metrowater, the city-owned company that supplies water, has managed to keep water rates unchanged for over 5 years through efficiency gains and decent management. They were planning water rate rises of no normal than inflation over the next 10 years.download french lula inside

However, this council is requiring a $280 million dividend from watercare over 10 years. This money is not being used to pay for water or improve water infrastructure. Instead it goes into general funds. The council is simply using water rate rises to fund any projects they won't - they are just doing it to slightly lower the rise in general rates.download french lula inside

I really don't think that this is on. They are trying to disguise how much more money they want from ratepayers, by making it look like another company (i.e. Watercare) is charging more.download french lula inside

While I don't agree with the Green council member's proposal of moving water charges back into normal rates, I do support his quotes in the Hearld today:download french lula inside

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