Auckland ratepayers demand investigation into Watercare $6 million blunder

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is demanding an independent investigation after Watercare deducted more than $6 million from nearly 44,000 customer accounts before payments were due.

Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen says:

“Watercare helped itself to ratepayers’ money before it was due. Blaming a system upgrade is cold comfort to anyone left short for groceries, rent or mortgage payments.

“Mayor Wayne Brown must demand that Watercare commission an independent investigation and publish the findings. If management failed to properly test or oversee the upgrade, heads should roll.

“Watercare must reimburse customers for any bank fees or other costs caused by its mistake. Ratepayers deserve more than an apology while Watercare executives keep collecting their gold-plated salaries.”