Seymour sees red over Auckland congestion

Auckland is paying the most tax so the Government needs to invest more of it in the country’s biggest city, an MP says. David Seymour has criticised Minister of Transport Simon Bridges for not supporting proposed traffic congestion charging in a Talk Auckland forum in Remuera on August 18.

The ACT leader and MP for Epsom also believes the Government should invest more in Auckland’s infrastructure, suggesting GST and tax revenues collected from Auckland construction should be invested back into the city.

The talk’s expert panel included Seymour, economist Shamubeel Eaqub, Mission Bay-Kohimarama Residents Association chair Don Stock, and Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

Genter and Eaqub queried where

‘‘The Unitary Plan is positive for Auckland's future growth...’’

Shamubeel Eaqub - economist

funding for Auckland infrastructure is likely to come from and believe that central government has a role to play in supporting aspects of the city’s future growth.

Seymour believes the answer to Auckland’s housing crisis is to build more homes, confirming the main issue has been a shortage in supply over many years, exacerbated by immigration.

’’The Unitary Plan is positive for Auckland’s future growth and a first step in making Auckland competitive,’’ Eaqub said. The Talk Auckland Mayoral Debate is on August 28.