KiwiRail wanted to spend $345m from rail project on new ferries

Northport is a rarity among NZ ports in not having a rail connection. (Image: Supplied)

Mon, 20 May 2024

KiwiRail proposed redirecting $345 million meant for the Marsden Point rail spur to help deal with cost pressures affecting its ferry replacement project, documents show.The state-owned ferry operator floated the option in a briefing to three Labour government ministers last February, noting the rail link, meant to connect Northport to the existing North Auckland Line, was the only rail project funded via the New Zealand Upgrade programme that wasn’t in construction.“Given the $345m will be insufficient to progress the full implemen...

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