The Destiny Church leader says further action is to come.
"This Government is determined to stop dividing New Zealanders along superficial lines."
Rumours started spreading earlier this week that the ex-National MP could run for mayor.
The seat was vacated by former councillor Tamatha Paul, elected to Parliament last year for the Green Party.
The Government will "still have to find a way of recognising the Māori interest in water", the Labour leader says.
"It doesn't add up, it doesn't make sense and it's going to result in higher rates," said McAnulty.
"I haven't heard anything about how they're actually going to increase the capacity of the market."
Labour is warning of "certain" rate rises - but the PM says he's "not taking economic lessons" from the previous Government.
