Interislander project hits the rocks: could contracts be canned?

KiwiRail is in discussions with the new government about the over-budget Interislander replacement project. (Image: KiwiRail)

Oliver Lewis

Wed, 13 Dec 2023

When the new government took over the Treasury benches, finance minister Nicola Willis said it encountered several fiscal snakes and snails, ie nasty surprises.The Interislander replacement programme, which involves procuring two large rail-enabled ferries and building new terminals and associated landside infrastructure in Wellington and Picton, was likely one of the things she had in mind.The previous government committed $435 million towards what was meant to be a $1.45 billion programme overseen by KiwiRail, including the $551m contract wit...

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