Ferry crisis what ferry crisis?
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12:35 pm, October 17th, 2024 - 21 comments
Categories: Environment, national, nicola willis, nz first, same old national, transport -
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The Cook Strait Ferry issue is getting to a critical point.
An announcement was expected in July. Willis said at the time that a decision was coming soon.
But we are still waiting. And there is a growing sense that National’s preference to remove rail capacity is meeting with staunch resistance from NZ First.
Last weekend at the NZ First Conference the party passed the following resolution:
Consider a policy that the important national railway system is always connected with at least two rail-enabled interisland ferries between North and South Islands.
And when asked about the Ferries Winston Peters claimed that with careful maintenance the current ferries could last for twenty years.
From Adam Pearce at the Herald:
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters believes the plagued Cook Strait Interislander ferries should be able to function for two more decades with sufficient maintenance.
That’s in contrast to KiwiRail’s assessments that have found the ferries can be safely operated up until 2029.
It comes amid apparent divisions within the coalition Government on the best replacement option for the ferries – with NZ First strongly advocating to retain the rail-enabled feature, while National didn’t appear as concerned in light of the extensive wharf upgrade cost estimates if the ferries needed rail access.
It’s understood it was unlikely NZ First would support a ferry replacement proposal without them being rail-enabled.
The sense of division and delay is reinforced in this article by Carl Findlay who is the National Secretary of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
In the article he reviews the history of the cancellation of the original supply project. He says this:
Willis’ much vaunted ministerial advisory group was supposed to have the answer. But they reported back their recommendations to replace iRex in June and there is still no decision made. I think it’s fair to assume their answer isn’t politically viable.
Given the advisory group’s antagonism of key players in the freight and shipping industry, and their dismissal of the importance of a rail system that delivers $3.3 billion in worth to NZ Inc each year, it’s not surprising their recommendation has stalled. It is surprising they still seem to be on the payroll although nobody seems to know what they are doing. The rumour in the sector is someone from the Government is talking to Chinese shipyards on the quiet.
What a costly mess.
And the confusing messages from various ministers don’t offer much comfort. Willis said soon for a new option, then she said the September quarter, now she says by the end of the year. Paul Goldsmith says it could be next year until a decision is made on replacing ferries. When asked about rail ferries, David Seymour mused on Q+A that maybe the South Island doesn’t really need a railway system.
And he points out the bleedingly obvious solution, the Government should try and resurrect the original contract. From the article:
The government could go back to Hyundai and renegotiate the contract they are currently cancelling. We’d lose big dollars compared to the original deal but only a fraction of the billions we will lose every year if we cripple our freight system with cheap boats that can’t carry rail and will push more trucks onto our already damaged roads.
The problem is that to do what’s good for New Zealanders and New Zealand’s businesses would come at the cost of a reputationally bruising backdown from the Finance Minister. As much as I would hope she will, I don’t think she’ll put New Zealand’s wellbeing ahead of her pride
This incident could be a career ending move by Willis. Costing the country half a billion dollar plus in an anti rail knee jerk response should have a severe consequence.
And it could threaten the viability of the coalition. Winston Peters is showing no sign of backing down.
Tick tock tick tock …
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- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...13 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...14 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...14 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...15 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...15 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...16 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...17 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...18 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...18 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...20 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...23 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...3 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...3 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
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The coalition has "absolutely no intention of listening to the evidence that comes out of their experiment", Labour MP says. ...31 minutes ago - Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...36 minutes ago - Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation
The Government’s economic adviser is sending a message it doesn’t want to hear – superannuation is increasingly unaffordable The post Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation appeared first on Newsroom. ...49 minutes ago
- Victims of sex offending welcome shift on name suppression laws
A man abused by a former political figure is "immensely relieved" at a government proposal to end secrecy around sex offenders' identities. ...54 minutes ago
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There is plenty yet to play out, but the next election is at this rate shaping up as trio versus trio, writes Toby Manhire. A subplot of this week’s historic hīkoi mō te Tiriti has been the sight of the three opposition parties presenting a unified front. Te Pāti Māori ...1 hour ago - All 33 malls in Auckland ranked from worst to best
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...1 hour ago
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As well as the ferry issue in your post Micky, NZF has just shown another major crack in the COC by backing a Labour Bill.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/531038/labour-member-s-bill-passing-second-reading-with-nz-first-support?fbclid=IwY2xjawF9Nh9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHW2FjSwS9R1XpeFKoS-_TivGcd81_cWaqop9g-gUI1B6ikBdKx4B7zu92g_aem_WUYzcW72YsUi05UEP7afJw
If this is a members bill (which it appears to be) – these are much more open to support by individual parties (and even individual MPs) — I doubt it's really illustrating 'cracks' in the coalition.
It does show Peters (via Patterson) doing his usual grandstanding about 'carefully listening to all sides, before coming to a conclusion. And be willing to support it through to the next stage, so it can be considered further (and potentially altered) – or voted against, if he so desires.
This message is designed to appeal to his voter base (emphasising that NZF aren't politically aligned with either side – and are willing to be swayed by evidence); and also to underline to the media that NZF is always good for a story (not to be taken for granted); and to Luxon to remind him that NZF can't be taken for granted.
As soon as I heard they (NZF) were backing this bill it reminded me that they could bring the government down at any time.
Perhaps we won't need rail ferries soon anyway. Sounds like the whole lot will either be shut down or sold off pretty soon.
My reckons say a ferry upgrade is so important that if Willis does a U turn and backs the original idea, I promise never to denigrate her again and only praise her decision.
Willis is increasingly showing that the finance minister job is too much for her ti habdle. A $12 billion deficit after promising she wont need to borrow for tax cuts, the ferry debacle…….
Hi Micky. I think National have lost this battle and rail enabled ferries are back on the cards.
Really BIG wakas capable of carrying a rail flat car with two containers may do the job … Only need 1,000 paddlers a side so should cure the unemployment as a bonus. //s
So Look! The govt have been really smart here. I have been investigating this, and have come to the following conclusion. Cancelling initiatives on cutting greenhouse gasses is all part of the master plan! The quicker sea level rises, the sooner people will be demanding amphibious vehicles. They will need them to drive to their beach house which remains just above the new shoreline! Obviously the Govt is in secret consultation with Toyota on this. Nicola let the cat out of the bag. So when finally Toyota develops the amphibious Corolla! Bingo! The govt will buy 3. No need for Ferrari's. No need for expensive infrastructure they can use the existing boat ramps at Evans Bay.
Arn't you glad we have such a smart lot ruining the country.
I predict it will go ahead anyway. But cost 5 billion because of cancellations and dithering.
Don't worry – you can be sure they will package it up to look good.
That Winfield Peters cannot be trusted is rather obvious, on rail though there is some evidence from his time with Labour that NZ First are rail fans.
In Northland efforts were being made under PGF to revitalise in the North including a freight depot in Moerewa, line to North Port, replacement of tracks, including lowering lines under certain bridges to permit wagons with containers to pass rather than building new bridges. Most of this has come to a grinding halt now thanks to CoC.
KiwiRail is offering redundancy because it is focused only on profitable operations – yet as they cut they increase cost on those that remain (track maintenance and less revenue on its use is fairly obvious).
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/531067/kiwirail-offers-voluntary-redundancy-to-all-staff
Kiwirail is now offering redundancy to ALL staff.
Must have rented an AI predictive algorithm to manage budget forecasts and typed in second term.
There is a very similar situation playing out in Tasmania. There govt got cold feet on the cost of replacing ferries to mainland oz. Result? Stuffed up berthing facilities, higher costs, lost revenue and a deputy leader resigning.
If they revive it they might find all the expertise has left the country. They all upped sticks and went to Canada to work on light rail.
Winston Peters, in lying that the current ferries can be used for another 20 years, is admitting that his coalition partners will not replace them with rail enabled ones.
2029 is at the end of a second term and it takes some time to order and receive new ones.
Thus we will be without such (rail enabled) ferries, if this lot get a second term.
Who does he think he is fooling?
The country that has no modern nation state health service and loves roads a lot, still does rail.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Great_Britain
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/the-vogel-era/building-vogels-railways
Running on empty.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350454878/living-fear-kiwirail-staff-member-says-they-are-genuinely-worried-about-future
Sure hope a Labour- (Green or NZF) government does what it should've last time and folds Kiwirail into NZTA.
CE Reidy clearly acting as if they need strong institutional safety or face high risk of full privatization and sell-off.
Amazing to see National merge or kill departments and Crown agencies. It won't stop.