Ratepayer Victory: Democratic accountability returned as AT reined in

Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance has declared a major victory with the news today that democratic accountability will be returned to Auckland’s transport functions.

Sam Warren, a spokesman for the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance, said:

“We’ve pushed incredibly hard for these reforms, and finally decision making has been returned to democratically elected officials who ultimately answer to Aucklanders.”

“Auckland Transport has become a law unto themselves, wasting countless ratepayer dollars on projects neither wanted nor needed. Returning key decision-making powers to Auckland Council is the only possible solution to fix the massive disconnect.”

“We applaud the Mayor, and the Ministers for Auckland and Transport, for their work on this reform. But with our congratulations comes a challenge to the Mayor: no longer can Auckland Transport be blamed for reckless spending decisions. The Mayor has expressed his desire to find savings and reduce waste - now there is no excuse.”

“As the bill becomes law, we expect far greater use of ratepayer money on only the essentials. No more $60 million bills on road cones, or gold-plated cycle ways that are never used. This reform is a generational opportunity to get Auckland back to reality.”