New Zealanders face three-year wait for Interislander ferries.
A deal to deliver new rail-enabled ferries has been derailed after Labour's original agreement was torpedoed by National MP Nicola Willis. The government is now pursuing smaller ferries, but exact costs remain unknown. Transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere expressed frustration over the cancellation of the iRex deal and its associated costs, which could have totalled $1.16 billion.
Winston Peters, Minister for Rail, was involved in negotiating a different agreement initially, but this has been put on hold. The new ferries are due in 2029, marking another delay for passengers. The additional expenditure has raised concerns about the financial management of the project. The exact costs and details surrounding the smaller ferries remain unclear.
The ongoing delays have sparked debate over the handling of the Interislander ferry deal, with many questioning the impact on New Zealanders.