KiwiRail reviewing Interislander replacement project

KiwiRail reviewing Interislander replacement project
The Aratere, one of the existing Interislander passenger ferries that is due to be replaced. (Image: NZME)
Oliver Lewis
With construction costs rising, KiwiRail is undertaking an in-depth review of its $1.45 billion Interislander replacement project.BusinessDesk understands new ferry terminals at Picton and Wellington are likely to be scaled back as a result of cost pressures, however, the state-owned rail operator declined to confirm this, saying final decisions had yet to be made.KiwiRail entered into a $551 million contract with Korean shipyard Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in June 2021 to build two new Interislander ferries – expected to be delivered in 2025 a...

More Infrastructure

Spanish infra giant Acciona backs Clifford Bay
Infrastructure

Spanish infra giant Acciona backs Clifford Bay

The upstart ferry port challenger boasts heavy-hitting backers.

Ferry Holdings assessing Clifford Bay alternative ruled out
Policy

Ferry Holdings assessing Clifford Bay alternative ruled out

Ferry Holdings only has a mandate to look at Picton, Winston Peters tells backers.

Oliver Lewis 26 Aug 2025
Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters
Policy

Supply chain inefficiencies stymieing NZ exporters

“We are paying 50-60% more to get our freight to India.” 

Oliver Lewis 25 Aug 2025
NZTA confirms $600m+ for Hawke's Bay expressway work
Infrastructure

NZTA confirms $600m+ for Hawke's Bay expressway work

Construction on a 7km stretch of the expressway is due to start in November.

Oliver Lewis 22 Aug 2025