Hipkins on cusp of becoming ratepayer hero

The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to comments made by Labour Leader Chris Hipkins on Newstalk ZB this evening, where he confirmed the Labour Party is open to supporting the Government’s proposed rates capping legislation.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:

“For the first time, Labour has backed away from its previous blanket opposition to rates caps. When pressed on Newstalk ZB tonight, Mr Hipkins said Labour ‘hasn’t made a final call’ and suggested he has yet to see the details of the Government’s proposal.”

“That’s a very significant shift. Until now, Labour had ruled out rates caps. Tonight, Chris Hipkins left the door wide open.”

The comments follow Labour MP Damien O’Connor’s plea for Local Government Minister Simon Watts to intervene over Waitaki District Council’s proposed 17 percent rates hike.

“Labour MPs are right to recoil at the eye-watering rates increases councils are imposing. After years of councils treating ratepayers like an unlimited ATM, reality is finally catching up.”

“Chris Hipkins described rates caps as ‘good retail politics’. He’s half right. It’s also good policy.”

“A sensible rates cap would force councils to do what every Kiwi household has to do: live within their means, cut waste, and focus on the core services ratepayers actually expect.”

“National has committed to rates caps, but has delayed implementation. Meanwhile, councils are racing to lock in double-digit increases before any cap arrives.”

“If Labour is prepared to support rates capping, there is no reason Parliament can’t act sooner. Ratepayers shouldn’t have to wait while councils continue to gorge themselves on ever-higher rates.”

“We’re calling on Chris Hipkins to finish the job. Labour has an opportunity to stand with ratepayers instead of council bureaucracies. New Zealanders desperately need relief, and Parliament should deliver it.”