Let councillors decide rates increase

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is calling on Mayor Wayne Brown to stop relying on the unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board to force through the biggest rates increase in Super City history.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said:

“When councillors vote on Wayne Brown’s record-breaking rates increase next week, Aucklanders deserve to know the outcome is being decided by elected representatives — not unelected appointees.”

“We understand that 11 councillors are prepared to vote down the record-breaking rates increase, but the two unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board members on the Budget Committee give Wayne Brown the numbers he needs.”
 
“Sneaking through a budget using unelected members is both undemocratic and a middle finger to the majority of elected members tasked to govern our Super City.”

“No other major city in New Zealand allows unelected members to decide how much ratepayers should be forced to pay.”

“If Wayne Brown is confident Aucklanders support his rates increase, he should let elected councillors decide the issue on its merits instead of putting his thumb on the scales.”