National's candidate in the Northcote by-election Dan Bidois officially launched his campaign yesterday, vowing to fight against fuel tax increases which he says the electorate won't benefit from.
The by-election on June 9 follows the resignation of National MP Jonathan Coleman who has left Parliament to head a private health company.
"I say no to new fuel taxes for Northcote," Mr Bidois told supporters as he was joined by party leader Simon Bridges for the launch.
"I've done the math. Northcote residents are going to pay an extra $11.6 million per year in fuel taxes. That's made up of $6.3 million for fuel excise and $5.3 million for Regional Fuel Taxes. That's $700 extra a year per family," Mr Bidois said.
"How on earth can the council and this Labour government justify taxing us more when we don't even get our fair share now?
"We already have significant shortfalls in our own Auckland Council transport plan and I don't believe we should pay more in regional and government fuel taxes to fund other parts of the city, without getting anything for it," he said.
Mr Bidois said knocking on doors, he's consistently hearing that transport is the biggest issue for the people of Northcote.
"From buses to ferries to Onewa Road to second harbour crossings and Skypath. We spend too much time sitting in traffic or waiting for a ferry and we are over it," he said.
He would support Skypath, but make sure it stacks up financially and residents' rights and privacy are maintained.
Mr Bidois said another of his campaign priorities is ensuring housing developments are supported with good infrastructure and services.
"As your MP I want to ensure intensified housing developments have the infrastructure they need around them - that means carparks, waste-water drainage, sufficient schools and transport infrastructure," he said.
Labour has put Shanan Halbert forward for the by-election and the Green Party said it will stand a yet-to-be announced candidate.
ACT leader David Seymour announced yesterday that Stephen Berry is that party's candidate.
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