Media Release

30 August 2010

Mayor challenges Watercare to look after rural customers too!

Rodney Mayor Penny Webster has welcomed today’s announcement by Watercare that the introduction of a standardised metropolitan water tariff, from 1 July 2011, will see reductions in costs for consumers in metro areas such as Auckland city and the Hibiscus Coast.

“But I challenge Watercare to bring about similar savings for rural Rodney customers as well,” she added.

Watercare – which takes over the Auckland region’s water and wastewater operations from 1 November this year – new charge will be $1.30 for 1000 litres and apply in the metro areas of Auckland, Waitakere, Manukau, North Shore, as well as the Orewa/Whangaparaoa area of Rodney District.

However, this new water pricing policy does not apply to water customers on rural schemes.

“I am delighted the new pricing regime will see residents in Orewa and Whangaparaoa, who currently pay around $2 for every 1000 litres they use, receiving cuts in their future water charges,” Mrs Webster said.

But she pointed out that Watercare’s pricing for rural water customers, also to take effect from 1 July 2011, is not expected to be announced until later in the year.

“I will be watching with interest,” Mrs Webster added.

“Let’s hope that rural customers in Rodney can also expect to see savings water charges, just like their city counterparts when Watercare's rural charges are set later this year.”

[Ends]

© Scoop Media