What the Aratere Grounding Means
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4:24 pm, June 22nd, 2024 - 67 comments
Categories: assets, national, Politics, privatisation, same old national, simeon brown, transport -
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The grounding of the ferry Aratere is potentially a political gift to National.
In January 2023, the Kaitake lost power inside Cook Strait while it had 880 people on board. It was caused in part by Kiwirail not replacing key parts.
In August 2023 the Kaitaki had to turn back mid-Cook Strait due to steering issues, with many having to stay overnight on board.
Earlier this year, all sailings of the Kaiarahi were cancelled due to maintenance issues.
In 2013 the Aratere had one of its propellers simply fall off. It was poorly fitted, and had to go to Singapore for 6 months.
And yesterday the steering on the Aratere failed about 15 minutes after it had set off from Picton.
It’s not much of a stretch to consider what losing steering of the Aratere when it was full in the school holidays and while in the middle of Cook Strait would have looked like: potentially at least as bad as the sinking of the Wahine in 1968. That’s the calibre of bullet this government just dodged.
Kiwirial had agreed a fixed price contract with Hyundai MIPO from confirmed funding from the Labour government to replace the 3 ageing ferries with 2 ferries that were 50% bigger each. The change in size required major upgrades to the ferry and rail facilities in both Picton and Wellington. It was called Project IREX. By September 2023 it was nearly fully designed, long-lead materials were ordered, and the hundreds of workers on the alliance teams to construct them were all ready to get going on construction.
Labour were doing the responsible thing of preparing, funding, and executing the replacement of a core piece of infrastructure that keeps New Zealand connected as an actual country. As they had up and down the country for 6 years.
When the new Minister of Finance killed the project in December 2023, it became clear that the Ministry of Transport and Treasury were preparing advice that the Cook Strait Ferry business was being prepared for sale:
Given the difficulties KiwiRail have had with Project iReX, and the fact they have a range of core rail issues to address, raises the question of KiwiRail’s suitability to run the Interislander business in the medium to long term.”
“The Interislander business could be separated into another State-Owned Enterprise or sold via a trade sale.
“KiwiRail would be expected to contract with this business to provide freight services across the Cook Strait, but how this is achieved would be left as a commercial decision between parties.
Treasury documents acknowledged the risk KiwiRail would quit the ferry business altogether if it could not go ahead with the project, but the Treasury deemed this “overstated”.
We have not seen any substantive evidence that not progressing KiwiRail’s preferred big ship approach to Project iReX would materially impact KiwiRail’s ability to continue with its current Interislander operating model.”
“Even if KiwiRail did indicate its preference to exit the market, ministers could, at that time, consider options to ensure an ongoing resilient inter-island connection, either involving KiwiRail or other providers.”
The Treasury advice leading up to the Ministers’ December decision is here.
Naturally Treasury and MoT fail to mention that while the big upgrade was going to cost nearly $3 billion for a multi-decade underinvestment in renewals, the Interislander service carries about $15 billion in trade every single year. In both trade and travel, it is as core to the connection of New Zealand as a country as the Transpower Cook Strait cable. So New Zealand might just miss it when National fail to invest to keep it going.
Once the operational crisis is overcome in the next day or two, Ministers Willis and Brown will simply agree that Kiwirail are not competent to run the ferries, and will propose that the private sector could do a more efficient job of it. They will sell it for what they can get which will be nearly scrap.
Until the Interislander business is sold, and then until the private sector can find the billions required to upgrade the terminals and ferries at the same time, and run a profit, and then after several years build them and run them, that is an entirely untested assumption in which a national transport and logistics lifeline is put at risk to the marketplace.
That means more very high risk Interislander failures will fall on this government, and it will be their fault, and they will get roasted for it.
Some may remember the result of the 1993 sale of NZRail to Wisconsin Central Transportation, Berkshire Partners, and Fay Richwhite for $328m. It was run into the ground, and finally bought back by the next Labour government for $1.
It has taken nearly 3 decades since then to revive rail in New Zealand. Ready for sale again.
The Minister of Finance is clearly seeking further savings across the entire public sector. Kiwirail, unlike NZTA, is run as a commercial business. No one took the step to protect Kiwirail from sale by integrating the two networks into a single entity so that they could act in the common good of New Zealand.
But in the merciful absence of mass deaths and a sinking this week, the failure of the Aratere and the death of IREX’s replacement programme is a singular political gift to this government.
And if they can prepare so early to sell Kiwirail in chunks, then Transpower is next.
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- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...4 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- 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. ...1 week 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 ...9 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 ...10 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, ...10 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, ...11 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 ...11 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 ...12 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 ...13 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 ...14 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 ...14 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 ...16 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 ...19 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 ...1 day 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 ...2 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 ...2 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 ...2 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 ...3 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 ...3 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, ...4 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. ...6 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
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...3 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...5 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...5 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...6 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...7 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...7 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...8 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...8 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...8 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...9 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...9 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...9 hours ago
- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia Matt Byrne/STCSA Jack Maggs is a delight and a homage to theatrical storytelling in Australia. Based on Peter Carey’s bestselling novel, Jack Maggs follows the ex-convict as he lands ...9 hours ago
- The government has introduced laws for its social media ban. But key details are still missing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication, Director of QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Ron Lach/Pexels The federal government today introduced into parliament legislation for its social media ban for people under 16 years. Communications Minister Michelle ...9 hours ago
- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...9 hours ago
- Gang patch ban: Members warn of potential for violence to ‘erupt’ as new laws enforced
"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...9 hours ago
- ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato medical school
Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...10 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...10 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...11 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...12 hours ago
- In photos: People of the hīkoi, and why they marched
Hikoi mō Te Tiriti has come to an end, going down in history as the largest march to Parliament in Aotearoa. ...12 hours ago
- ‘Everything is becoming a culture war’: Jon Ronson on conspiracies and cycleways
Ahead of his appearance in Aotearoa, the acclaimed British journalist, podcaster and documentarian talks to Stewart Sowman-Lund about why people are still fascinated by the fringes. The last place I would expect to find Jon Ronson is relaxing in the countryside. The iconic British journalist and writer is best known ...12 hours ago - Kia kaha Lebanon: NZ media only tell half your story of struggle
The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...13 hours ago
- ‘Deserves a Bafta’: After the Party premieres in the UK to five-star reviews
The acclaimed New Zealand drama has just premiered on TV in the United Kingdom, and the five-star reviews are already flowing in. Six months after it was called a “blistering” “tour de force” by Australian critics, and nearly a year since The Spinoff declared it the best drama New Zealand ...13 hours ago
- Drugs are getting cheaper and easier to find in Aotearoa
New Zealanders are drinking and smoking less, but most other recreational drugs are becoming cheaper, more popular and more available, two new reports show. Two significant new surveys about drugs in Aotearoa were released this week, offering a rare insight into New Zealanders’ choice of substances, which ones are becoming ...13 hours ago
- COP29: ‘climate finance’ for the Pacific is mostly loans, saddling small island nations with mor...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Ratuva, Director, Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury Lenora Qereqeretabua, the deputy speaker of Fiji’s Parliament, at the COP29 climate summit. IISD/ENB/Mike Muzurakis, CC BY-SA As this year’s UN climate summit reaches its final stage of negotiations, Pacific ...14 hours ago
- Review: The magic of Wicked and the curse of corporate greed
The new movie musical is undoubtedly a fun watch, but it’s also proof that bigger isn’t always better, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund. Contains minor spoilers for Wicked. There’s no doubt that Wicked is going to be huge. No other pop culture event this year, save from maybe Charli XCX’s Brat, has ...14 hours ago
- Dame Jacinda Ardern to be given United Nations leadership award
She will get the champion for global change award from the United Nations Foundation at a ceremony in New York tomorrow. ...15 hours ago
- NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand
Analysis: NZ is lifting what was supposed to be a permanent ban on live animal exports. But it’s not the lucrative industry it once was. The post NZ will resume live animal exports – to low demand appeared first on Newsroom. ...16 hours ago - Financial forms of family violence affect one in seven of us – but the law is lagging
There are calls for New Zealand’s Family Violence Act to name economic harm as a standalone type of violence, rather than a subcategory of psychological abuse, to bring it in line with the United Kingdom and Australia. Economic harm – restricting access to, sabotaging or exploiting another person’s financial resources, ...16 hours ago
- Downside Risks To Treasury’s Economic And Fiscal Forecasts
New Zealand is currently running a structural fiscal deficit, with expenditure exceeding revenue. Economic growth falling short of expectations has been making it harder for the Government to bring the books back into balance. ...16 hours ago
- Science continues to exclude Indigenous communities. Fixing this benefits everyone
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jordan Peter Anthony Pitt, Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services (Faculty of Science), University of Sydney An enduring challenge facing science around the world is how to best include and engage Indigenous communities. In Australia, for example, 0.5% of Indigenous ...17 hours ago
- Why is cricket so popular on the Indian sub-continent?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania Cricket originated in England, but has been spread worldwide by British soldiers and settlers in the past few hundred years. It is now the second most popular sport in ...17 hours ago
- Disinformation and deepfakes played a part in the US election. Australia should expect the same
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Renee Barnes, Associate professor of Journalism, University of the Sunshine Coast Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock As America takes stock after Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, it’s worth highlighting the AI-generated fake photos, videos and audio shared during the campaign. A slew ...17 hours ago
- Is thunderstorm asthma becoming more common?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kira Morgan Hughes, PhD Candidate in Allergy and Asthma, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University When spring arrives, so do warnings about thunderstorm asthma. But a decade ago, most of us hadn’t heard of it. So where did thunderstorm asthma ...17 hours ago
- Overwhelmed by ever more clothing donations, charities are exporting the problem. Local governments ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yassie Samie, Postdoctoral Researcher in Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University anna.spoka/Shutterstock What happens to your clothes after you don’t want them any more? Chances are, you will donate them to op shops run by a charity organisation. There are more ...17 hours ago
- Friendly fire: a nuclear push by allies at COP29 poses a sticky problem for Albanese
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Quiggin, Professor, School of Economics, The University of Queensland IndustryAndTravel/Shutterstock Prime Minister Anthony Albanese didn’t see this coming. At the global COP29 climate talks in Baku, the Australian government was indirectly criticised by two allies, the United States and the ...17 hours ago
- Nugget Is Dead brings queer love, multiculturalism and Aussie flair to the Christmas movie formula
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Hart, Associate Professor, Film Screen & Animation, Queensland University of Technology Julia Firak Stan’s new Christmas film Nugget is Dead is a colourful production that follows the rules of the seasonal genre film to a tee – with an Aussie ...17 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: Should I cut contact with my ex-stepdad?
My parents are finally getting divorced. So why do I feel like my stepdad’s feelings are still my problem? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera My parents recently announced their separation. This in itself isn’t a problem. I’ve already gone through this once before in my early childhood, so ...17 hours ago
- New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
If the government won’t hold polluters to account, then people will. People are increasingly taking to the streets and the courtrooms, putting their bodies on the line to shut down polluting industries. This will only escalate further unless New ...17 hours ago
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When nat supports (I've had 2 today) parrot the line that we couldn't afford irex and the ferries point out that basically its 100 kms of movable highway,railway and bus way, all in 1, , and that national have $16 billion for rd building.
The OP is a reasonable take on what National (plus ACT) may want to do, but would Winston wave it through? It would be his final legacy, a deeply ironic and contradictory ending to his career. So, I doubt it.
Not quite sure what you mean there ob. Are you saying Winston will not be prepared to "wave it through" because it would be a negative ending to his career? I despise the man but would be prepared to upgrade my opinion of him [ever so slightly] if he did prevent it from happening.
Yes, I'm saying Winston would block it.
Back in the day, Winston was prepared to bring down a government about the sale of Wellington Airport shares. Now, the Council is selling out its remainder.
Back in the day, Winston made a huge deal about building rail to Marsden Point. Now it's mothballed.
And Jones is outnumbered in Cabinet.
This ditch crossing is iconic to kiwis. The others are not.
https://x.com/meco78526/status/1804328966372888757/photo/1
Winston Peter's 2020
for those without to access elmo's site
TY
Iconic within critical infrastructure like "Toyota"
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tide-starts-to-turn-on-nicola-willis-over-kiwirails-cook-strait-mega-ferries-georgina-campbell/Y34AG3V6ZVFO7PPFS4KEMKHYM4/
I'm I the only one that think she sounds like an idiot still using here Ferrari/toyota sound bite?
I know; it's delicious in its political stupidity.
I was at a dog trail dinner recently and she popped in ,you'd think very safe ground for a lead nat pollie, one hardcase yelled at her , why are my interest rates so high, causing rapid departure. 😁
Wasn't me btw
https://archive.li/PlZcf
Clues
KiwiRail maintaining safe standards and government investment in new ships, but no guarantee of future KiwiRail management or state ownership. This is an indication of a continuance of rail freight capacity. But no more.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwrail-and-interislander-bosses-to-front-media-after-vessel-runs-aground-in-south-island/ZTI5DATV6VBYHD6664YZTKRDDM/
Doesnt help that the govt can point to Bluebridge who seem to have far fewer issues.
I do think Kiwirail needs a clean out, seemed even Grant Robertson was getting more than irritated at the endless cost blowouts and requests for more money for Irex. It seems to me Kiwirail were behaving in a fairly underhanded way to get what they wanted, or they set out to start a project that they new would never survive a change of govt…
Probably they won't point too closely. Bluebridge started new ships on the route in 2010, 2015, and 2023 and replaced their older ones.
If the National party had been competent at running our national infrastructure then they would have financed the replacement of port rail facilities that are nearly as old as I am, and started the upgrade on ferry services in during the Key years.
Instead the Key government wasted infrastructure resources on roads of significance to National (ie economic white elephants). Looks good to the economically incompetent, wear out fast with heavier trucks, requires continuous expensive and major maintenance payments from car owners, and provide virtually no economic value. Pays not to drive in the left lanes of the older sections of the Waikato expressways with their truck ruts.
Since there is no actual progress towards decent ferries from the incompetence of National, I'm expecting the passenger and truck transport should be dumped within a few years by Kiwirail as the existing ferries go past end of life.
Kiwirail should just concentrate only on their own business of rail and only look for rail transport ferries. The safety issues diminish on old gear when passenger freight is removed, and I can't actually see a need for them to assist their competitors in trucking.
Personally I don't think that any of the the ferries are particularly economic, including Bluebridge, long-term. Coastal shipping is probably more efficient for bulk. Flying is faster for people.
It has always been part of the national infrastructure and should have been treated and funded as such.
The group set up to advise government wants replacements that are not rail enabled.
And it looks like they will set up a new SOE to run them (using them not being rail enabled as an excuse) or a private operator. They would charge rail freight extra because of a greater cost of transfer (thus encourage off rail onto road).
Labour would have to buy them out to use KiwiRails port facility and bring back a rail enabled ferry.
If my memory is correct Kiwirail were going to scrap the electric locos and replace them with diesels until the government (Clark?) told them to pull their heads out. Kiwirail is not run by the sharpest knives in the block.
We need the wise heads of Julie Ann Genter and Dharleen Tana to get this sorted asap.
SPC said above:
https://archive.li/PlZcf
I believe that was while Genter held responsibility in an associate transport portfolio.
Bluebridge did not have many if any problems until it was sold to a Hong Kong ( I think) investment company and the inevitable cost cutting has led to a diminished service. A mate who is a senior marine engineer on the Interislander straight ferries said that the cheap option , particularly in engines from Spain and the cheap option for gearboxes are the main causes for most of the trouble all dating back to the late 90s and quess who was running the country down then.
my bet is that the CCP is lining to buy it as a part of their Belt and Road concept. These incompetent dickheads have to go.
https://archive.li/PlZcf
Bluebridge also didn't have to build it's own wharves, etc.
I'm still of the view good assessments should be done for infrastructure as to a split of private good and public good. Public good to be funded through general taxation and private good through ticket sales, petrol taxes, etc.
The notion that rail has to make a profit just suggests that rail is only a private good which is just plain silly.
Thanks for that SPC.
"Kiwirail sold for $328 million and bought back for $1" I think it might have been the other way round AD. Richard Prebble sold the railway system for a measly dollar and when Helen Clark was forced to salvage the situation the Government paid $328 Million for an asset stripped and unmaintained wreck of a railway.
The National government sale was in 1993.
Cullen bought back the track system for $1 in July 2004.
Very good observation Advantage. As the day wore on, it became obvious to me the Kiwirail Inter Islander is heading for privatisation and this incident will be used as an excuse. Never mind there was a plan for replacement that Nicola Willis scotched and was talking nonsense about Toyota Corollas. Never mind that Bluebridge has not been incident free. (look it up!) , never mind who has to pay for the terminals, never mind that our only rail enabled ferry is now out of use, never mind that we are supposed to be a connected country between North and South on SH1. And of course never mind that we have tried this once before with the sale to Wisconsin, Trans Rail and all the ugliness that came with it.
Isn't this unfortunate incident a perfect opportunity to show voters an alternative way forward?
Highlight what Labour had budgeted for (the two terminals and ferries) a multi generational plan.
Show the narrow and limited the fiscal vision of Willis and co is, let alone the fiscal irresponsibility of scrapping the ferry builds at a cost of $400M so far. I understand the Kiwi taxpayer is paying for storage of the steel sitting in Hyundai's ship builder yards.
Another useful aspect of this, as BG says below, is the contrast of Roads of National’s Significance, $16B vs new port, new ferries at $3B.
I disagree Ad. I think the grounding is a disaster for the government.
They will be seen to have cancelled new fit-for-purpose ferries (including rail enabled) and land infrastructure that would be useful for 2-3 generations, at a time when replacement (and better) ferries were desperately needed.
The new ferries and infrastructure were budgeted at $3 billion which is a bargain when compared with Nationals $16 billion for Roads of National Significance.
This is a major cock-up by the government.
It's refloated already.
The Minister is doing a full offload onto Kiwirail, continuing what he's been doing this year.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/interislander-ferry-refloat-attempt-begins-transport-minister-very-disappointed/4HQ4TPI4TJGLNCKB6ZC4GGJVPM/#google_vignette
Brown plays the ball with fast hands.
These are desperate distraction tactics because of the COC's senseless decision to cancel the ferries and infrastructure. The opposition should make hay in the media tomorrow.
Considering the "Megaferries" were each BIGGER TONNAGE than "TITANIC" cancelling was a sane move! AT 40 M longer than existing boats Manovering in the sounds could be CRAZY! & considering the grounded ferry had JUST HAD NEW STEERING! what muppets do we have …& NO operational backup! …was ANYONE "at the wheel?" ??? The channel is VERY TIGHT!
New steering? Reports I've read said Atatere had maintenance but because required new parts were eight weeks away they fitted used parts which seem to have failed.
Yeah, and did ANYONE "hit the brakes?"
//
I've seen some really stupid shit about the ferries over the last 24 hours.
This however, comes close to winning the prize!
They must have been readying for this.
But all the coverage I’ve seen has foregrounded locals sheeting it home in spades to the PM and his government.
Chance to set a marker here and be strong about not selling crucial infrastructure.
Challenge the government to promise to do the same and properly invest in it. Play up that this is State Highway 1. It’s the Main trunk line (but don’t emphasise). It’s 15 billion dollars worth of freight a year. It’s our reputation and credibility as a tourist destination. If New Zealand is held together by a PPP of privatized foreign sticky-tape what happens when it goes wrong? Look at Transmission Gully. Look at all the leaky homes of Auckland. There’s no use now pay later. There’s only pay, pay, pay with PPP and then when the going gets tough they hit the road. They’re there for a buck, not for NZ.
That’s why we have government. The members in the National Party think we’ve forgotten their failings. They think they can sell us the same crap in a new box- it still stinks! They want someone else to do government. It’s all a bit hard investing in the country.
They wanna be like the raiders of the 80s- suck out our money, give it to their mates and then charge us for what we already owned. They want to use NZ like an ATM for their pals once more. Investing in the country is not ill-discipline. Refusing to invest before it’s too late is.
Yes a gift for the opposition here. Lets hope they unwrap this one.
Agree tc….people from Labour and the Greens should be banging on about this on Morning Report tomorrow consistent with my post above.
The new ferries were still years away, kiwirails problems are still well within range of the last government,
Know a couple of ships masters that bring large vessels into NZ incl Welly they are fairly critical with regards the new / cancelled larger ferries. In short they were too big, the increased windage makes them difficult to berth with roughly 60 days of 100kph + winds per year.
Seems to me it would have been better to stick with 3 smaller easier to handle ferries tham 2 larger ones.
Have you seen the size of the cruise ships that come into Welly?
Yep, but they're far less frequent and at a far more favorable time of year weatherwise. If wind makes docking unsafe they'll sit at anchor in the harbor and use a tenders to get passengers to shore.
Ferries running to a strict timetable in Wellington need to be able to dock in 100kph + winds which are pretty damn regular in spring.
I think the new ferries, such as the ones ordered by Labour, would have much better hi-tech maneuverability, similar to cruise ships. My guess is that this would have made them perfectly capable of using the proposed docking infrastructure. This would have been considered as part of the contract.
Having said this, the guy Pete Beech, who just spoke on Midday Report on RadioNZ on behalf of a Sounds watchdog group has a point that using Tory Channel is more dangerous than using the other entrance to Picton.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/middayreport/audio/2018944007/dodged-a-bullet-guardian-of-the-sounds-on-aratere
I worked on a semi submersible oil rig, 30 years ago, it was capable of holding position without anchor in the biggest storms the edge of the artic circle could throw at it, I reckon they can get mid sized boat to dock in a stiff breeze.
This should be obvious.
They need to lease a tug boat that can help out the ferries, this until they replace them with new ones.
There needs to be an ocean going tug of sufficient size in Wellington at all times, yes it will be underutlized but given we're running a passenger ferry in one of the worlds most dangerous waterways is flat out negligent. At the moment the closest big enough tugs are based in aussie, if we're lucky one might be working in the Tarankai gas fields so maybe a days steam away.
They are at least ocean going, but salvage capable?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/131098301/tug-concerns-in-kaitaki-mayday-highlighted-long-before-ferry-drifted-towards-rocks
Not even close to capable in mildly adverse condtions theyre just not big enough. We need something that could hold a ferry in 60knot winds and the big currents in the straight.
They werent big enough to shift the tanker that grounded by farewell spit either. In that case there was a big tug working the gas fields which came to the rescue. We really are courting a maritime disaster not having something capable of rescue / salvage of large ships.
If they had made the decision to relocate the ferry berths to Cloudy Bay, as was once investigated, they wouldn't have to steer through the difficult Tory channel.
Where they planned to put it at Marfells beach is a very exposed coast and would need a huge twin piered breakwater to get the ships birthed.
That Cloudy Bay idea went through a lot of drafts over multiple years, back when it was MED, and various Kiwirail Boards, and Treasury, then MBIE.
What really killed it was the Kaikoura Earthquakes.
It just kept running into problems that were too hard.
They "investigate" that about every 10 years. And the old salts rip it apart. The only trouble is that the old salts are dying off and there are fewer and fewer people with the maritime knowledge anymore to stave off the bean-counters.
What an opportunity just fell.
A justifiable reason to replace the board with loyal Nat buddies, who will throw their hands up in feigned horror, declare that only a private sector owner could possibly make it work, then sell it to other mates for peanuts.
And all in a package the public will believe.
IMHO.
You could well be right ? However the ones that were there, if not Nat friendly, IMO did not seem particularly RAIL (or Ferry either ) friendly !
Also there is this….
How many refreshes ?
In my own experience, and seeing/reading others same World wide (over a long working life), Boards, CEO's, GM's et al are quite often clueless fwits…..who have little if any practical experience..or common sense.
One thing they do excel at….moving on. Very often after some carnage/restructuring : (
But at little personal loss…..
If you're going to ground a ferry then the captain did a bloody good job. Nose on, stern in the deep. I guess they have all thought about where they would put it, if worse came to worse. But they were also incredibly lucky with the weather – flat calm.
A steering failure though? – not sure if humans had any input as to where/hot it grounded.
A few commenters saying the ferries are too big for the sounds. Don't large cruise ships go through the sounds, and also go into Milford Sound, Dunedin (Otago Barbour, quite narrow) and into Lyttleton. Modern ships have very good steering capabilities.
Log ships go there.
Much less manoeuvrable, and much less reserve power than ferries.
I assume the steering system is some sort of rudder system and that they have multiple screws that they can power independently to do some modest steering.
I would presume the crew would train for all conceivable malfunctions in the same way aircrew do in a simulator. Loose power or steering at any point down Tory channel or in Wellington harbour and there would be a rehearsed procedure to safely deal with the situation.
The simulators exist, Nelson Polytech has one
There is.
But no procedure/training, can solve several tens of thousands of tons losing power or steerage at the wrong moment.
Anything mechanical can break down. Ships do have duplicate and emergency steering, and emergency power generation for it, but it takes several minutes to set up and get working.
Any more than you can avoid a crash if your car suddenly loses steering on the motorway. Or a 747 can abort takeoff after V2 if engines fail.
Full astern until vessel stops. Not much more they could do.
I think we all mean Clifford Bay…
After the Kaikōura earthquake they were surprised to find that one of the major fault lines, of 17 or 18 that let go, ran right underneath where the proposed terminal was planned to go…oh bugger. Incidentally during the quake the cape Campbell lighthouse a few kms south of there went up over 9 metres and eventually settled at about 4 or 5 higher than previous. Obviously bugger all geotechnical brainpower went into that little effort. On the plus side sea level rise shouldn’t be a consideration for a few centuries.
Prebble remembers learning two things when a Minister.
1.movement of goods is a clue as to the state of the economy.
2.the importance of rail freight capability
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/520436/aratere-ferry-failure-final-straw-for-residents-farmers-and-truckies
He clearly doesn't remember his complete sell out to all the faithful Labour voters in the 80s.
Jumminy Ricky P
Don’t forget to tell your party
they been out here saying Trains baaaaad woke Trucks goooood maan man