Leaders argue over fuel tax

The Auckland Regional Council’s proposed five cents a litre petrol tax has generated varied reactions from North Shore leaders.

MP Wayne Mapp considers the timing of the ARC proposal "unfortunate".

Dr Mapp says imposing an additional burden will not sit well with Shore taxpayers.

"We’re on the verge of a recession and the last thing our people need now is new taxes," he says.

"With petrol prices going up, interest rates skyrocketing and house prices plummeting, imposing another tax is quite disastrous to our people.

"What the people are expecting is a tax cut, not another imposition. The ARC needs to step back a little," Dr Mapp says

City councillor Chris Darby, on the other hand, backs the ARC proposal, saying Shore residents stand to benefit from a comprehensive regional rail network.

"Many North Shore residents see the proposal as out of our territory, but we need to view things with our regional hats on," Mr Darby says.

"I am supportive of the ARC initiative, provided the proceeds go to public transport ahead of unsustainable road-building projects."

But Shore rates reform campaigner David Thornton says it would be unfair for Shore residents to pay for something they don’t benefit from.

"The rail system only covers the south and west Auckland, and a small part of east Auckland. It seems unfair that motorists from throughout the region should be paying for a train service they cannot use," he says.

Transport infrastructure is vital to national economic success and should be funded by central government because it reaps the benefits of economic success through increased tax revenue he says.

However, Mr Darby argues the $300 million Northern Busway, a joint project of national and local authorities, was paid for by taxpayers from outside of the Shore, who do not directly benefit from it.