The Transport Minister is set to decide whether Auckland business owners impacted by City Rail Link construction will get the compensation they are looking for.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is now suggesting a fund might be appropriate for those who have lost thousands due to the construction.
- Auckland City Rail Link: Phil Twyford blamed for 'biggest project blowout'
- City Rail Link should have been open by now, says frustrated Auckland Mayor Phil Goff
The City Rail Link is aimed at sending Auckland into the future, but it might leave surrounding businesses with no future at all.
They say construction has turned everyone away.
Shobana Ranchhodji's florist business has taken a massive hit.
"You've got to pay your rates, you've got children to feed, you have still got to get groceries on that table, you've still got to pay for your rates," Ranchhodji told Newshub.
Today, she urged city councillors to push the council and Government to help struggling business owners.
"It has affected me, with me affecting my whole family. When I go home this is what I talk about, what I can do better," she says sadly.
Ranchhodji and others have been arguing for compensation for months. Some claim to have lost more than a million dollars in earnings.
Tuesday's meeting was held at the Shakespeare Pub on Albert Street, another business that says it has been greatly affected by City Rail Link. Constant fencing, construction and diggers are preventing customers from visiting the local businesses.
"We need the Minister and the Mayor to step up and resolve this," Local MP Nikki Kaye told Newshub.
On Tuesday, the Mayor gave Newshub the strongest indication yet that help is finally on the way.
Goff says he's now hoping to offer financial relief to business owners impacted by the Rail Link.
"Not a compensation fund as such, but a hardship fund where we could provide some relief in exceptional circumstances," says Goff.
But for the talk to turn into action, the Government has to agree.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford only says he'll consider it. The problem is, no compensation is offered for any other public projects.
"Businesses from one end of the country to the other are affected by those works and there is no precedent for cash payouts," says Twyford.
So while the Government and the council argue over the details, businesses on Albert Street are forced to keep waiting.
Newshub.
