Summarised by Centrist

Transport Minister Simeon Brown expressed the government’s disappointment with KiwiRail’s maintenance of its Interislander ferry fleet, citing significant issues with upkeep and escalating costs. The annual maintenance costs for the ageing ferries could nearly double to $65 million by next year, raising concerns about the service’s sustainability. Amid ongoing negotiations to terminate a $551 million contract for new ferries, the government is exploring alternative options for a resilient Cook Strait service.

Read more over at The NZ Herald

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