Podcasts about interislander

Minister for Rail Winston Peters believes the binned iRex ferry plan would have meant major infrastructure issues that are no longer a worry. He's announced the two new Interislander ferries are expected to come in on time and under budget, for less than $2 billion. Peters told Mike Hosking Tasmania is struggling with two new ferries and no infrastructure and he doesn't want to see the same problems here. He said he got a really hard-nosed, tough, experienced team to sort out the ferry plan, and they've done a marvellous job. “In less than 11 months they have put together a solution at all ends.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says logic has prevailed, as he confirms our new Cook Strait ferries are coming in under $2 billion dollars. The new Interislander vessels are expected to arrive in 2029 under budget. The Rail Minister claims it's saved the taxpayer more than $2 billion on the canned mega-ferries project. Peters says he's confident the Government's done the right thing. "This is common sense we're applying here, there are contingencies in our plan as well. And to cover off any concerns you've got...we've got together a hard-nosed team." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Rail Minister Winston Peters says he's saved taxpayers more than two billion dollars with his new Interislander ferry deal. But does the maths add up? Rotorua's days as a emergency housing hotspot are officially over. Mayor Tania Tapsell reacts to news the last people have officially left emergency motel accommodation. Health Minister Simeon Brown explains why the Government is banning transgender kids from accessing puberty blockers. Kiwi families are facing the pinch as Christmas is looming, personal finance expert Mary Holm has some tips how you can stretch the money further. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Winston's ferry announcement is convincing. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 16 October 2025, senior political correspondent Barry Soper and former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson share their memories of the late Jim Bolger. Police and Oranga Tamariki have been secretly investigating Gloriavale for serious allegations of mistreatment of children. Gloriavale leaver Virginia Courage tells Heather what she witnessed while living in the community. Broadcaster Sean Plunket speaks to Heather after the Broadcasting Standards Authority defended its decision to go after online content. The Health Minister has accused senior doctors for crossing a moral line with their ongoing strikes. Plus, the Huddle debates whether we should be worried about our new Chinese built Interislander ferries because the shipyard has been linked to the Chinese military. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smooth sailing so far for Ferry Holdings, as a preferred supplier of two new Cook Strait vessels is selected. Rail Minister Winston Peters has announced a fixed price has been agreed for two 200-metre-long ferries with road and rail decks, and room for 1500 passengers each. Ferry Holdings Limited Chair Chris Mackenzie says final negotiations have started - and contracts will be signed by the end of the year. He told Mike Hosking a letter of intent was signed with the shipyard and now technical discussions have begun before contracts can be signed. The name of the shipyard will be released when the contracts are signed. Mackenzie told Hosking 60 shipyards were in the mix to begin with, and it had shipyards in four countries, that's now come down to one. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Those in charge of buying our new Interislander ferries are confident a good deal has been reached. The yet-to-be-named preferred supplier has signed a letter of intent, and agreed with Ferry Holdings on a fixed price. Chair Chris Mckenzie says they're now at the technical negotiation stage. "We now negotiate what's inside that boat - arrangements even down to what sort of sinks we have in the kitchens - and then a final contract will be signed before the end of the year." The 200-metre long ferries will have road and rail decks, and room for 1500 passengers each. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 3 September 2025, we've chosen a shipyard to build our new Interislander ferries - but Ferry Holdings' Chris Mackenzie explains they're not quite ready to reveal who will do the honours. Almost 60,000 Aussies have signed a petition calling for Kiwi born neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell to be deported back to New Zealand. But Australian senator Lidia Thorpe tells Heather deporting one nazi won't get rid of Australia's wider problem. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts tries to explain why we shouldn't quit the Paris Climate Agreement - even though ACT and NZ First are both advocating for it. Plus, the Huddle debates that PR stunt of an announcement from Amazon and how a grandfather might have got himself banned from pick-up duty for life. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interislander's Aratere ferry has cruised to the other side of the Cook Strait for the last time. The ship is now retired after its final trip from Picton to Wellington this morning. Nick James reports.

After 26 years plying Cook Strait, the Aratere will be retired after its final sailing from Picton today.

The Interislander ferry "Aratere" is making its last round trip across the Cook Strait this morning, after nearly 30 years in service. Nick James looks back at its history.

The company overseeing the new infrastructure and ferries for Cook Strait is confident it can deliver by 2029. Winston Peters has announced agreements to build and modernise ports in Wellington and Picton for the arrival of new Interislander ferries. Ferry Holdings Chair Chris Mackenzie says there will be robust discussions between KiwiRail, Ferry Holdings, and ports on delivering the project. He's feeling positive, despite New Zealand's track record with infrastructure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details about infrastructure in Wellington and Picton in Government plans for new Cook Strait ferries. CentrePort, Port Marlborough, and KiwiRail have agreed a plan to re-use and strengthen the Wellington wharf servicing Interislander's Aratere - and to re-use terminals both sides of the Strait. Minister for Rail Winston Peters says the Government won't consider privatisation - and he's just looking to make sure Kiwis stay informed. "We're not about to make the same mistake a second time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister believes the Government would be better off with the part-privatisation of Interislander ferries. A Treasury paper presented to Cabinet by the Minister for Rail, Winston Peters, says the Government can consider private investment to reduce costs. David Seymour agrees with the idea and says the Government has been far too relaxed with capital. He told Mike Hosking the Government is not a good operator of commercial enterprises, and there's no shortage of evidence for that. Seymour says you have to balance the books, and at the moment the Government owns too many underperforming assets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism operators aren't sure whether they'll welcome smooth sailing or face choppy waters once the Interislander service loses one of its ferries. The Aratere retires in August, reducing the Cook Strait fleet to two until the expected arrival of new ones in 2029. KiwiRail operates the service and is confident the remaining ferries can handle the demand. Tess Brunton reports.

The Interislander ferry Aratere has broken down on a sailing from Picton to Wellington, leaving passengers stuck on board for hours. Reporter Nick James spoke to Corin Dann.

Two Interislander sailings have been cancelled after the Aratere ferry broke down on a sailing from Picton to Wellington. Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, the Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries shows export forecasts are billions of dollars more than what was projected just months ago, two Interislander sailings have been cancelled after the Aratere ferry broke down on a sailing from Picton to Wellington the United Kingdom's national health service has told parents not to rely on shop-bought baby food as everyday meals after pouches from six leading brands fail to meet key nutritional standards, Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the 1960s group The Beach Boys, has died aged 82, and Nathan Rarere speaks to golfer Ryan Fox ahead of the US open.

KiwiRail says when the Aratere ferry is gone, passengers may need to travel on less popular sailings and be more flexible with dates. Interislander's executive general manager Duncan Roy spoke to Corin Dann.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 1st of May, the Aratere ferry is being retired – the only rail-enabled ferry in KiwiRail's fleet. Financial literacy will now be taught at schools in Years 1-10. And Indy NXT driver Liam Sceats details just what young drivers have to go through to get the funding for a single season of driving at the top level. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KiwiRail admits it may be helping out its competition by reducing its Interislander fleet to two. Aratere will be retired when demolition begins on its decaying dock in Picton late this year or early next, to add infrastructure for new ships. Two new ferries are due in 2029. KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy told Mike Hosking some passengers may opt now to travel with Bluebridge. He says capacity is spread between the companies when one faces an issue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interislander's Aratere is heading towards its final journey - as work is underway to get rid of the Cook Strait ferry's decaying dock. Infrastructure is needed for new ferries, arriving in 2029, and work to demolish Aratere berth will in the coming months. It'll spell an end to the ageing ferry's operation because it can't use other Interislander docks. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks this announcement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interislander is reducing its Cook Strait ferry fleet from three to two. The Aratere will retire when demolition begins on its decaying dock - late this year or early the next - to add infrastructure for new ships. Two new ferries are due in 2029. KiwiRail's Adele Wilson says it would've cost about $120 million to have an interim dock. "The idea of the temporary wharf is one of those things that is not possible if we want to bring this project in on budget and on time and at a level that's affordable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 30 April 2025, KiwiRail's announced the Aratere will be retired this year, leaving us with just two Interislander ferries for the next four years. Education Minister Erica Stanford explains why she's going to introduce financial literacy courses to schools. Heather explains why she's impressed with Nicola Willis' budget announcement - but thinks we need to cut whole ministries to free up more money. Plus, the Huddle debates Wellington City Council voting in favour of allowing 16-year olds to vote in local body elections. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ferry and cruise passengers could be facing a new levy. The Government is weighing up how to fund a permanent rescue tugboat for the Cook Strait, and a user pays system is on the table. They've contracted MMA Vision to provide emergency cover in the meantime, but a long-term solution is still up in the air. Maritime Union Spokesperson Victor Billot told Mike Hosking they're happy to see the temporary measures, but there does need to be a long-term plan. However, he says they're unsure a user pays model is the right fit, or that it would be easy to enforce. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interislander's operator is promising to cough up for ferry disruptions. A Commerce Commission investigation found KiwiRail may have breached the law by suggesting cancelled sailings were out of their control. Mechanical events leading to cancellations will now almost always trigger compensation. Chief customer officer Adele Wilson says people incurred some high costs from cancellations. "As we were trying to catch up the schedule, we had another event - and so people who'd been rebooked, unfortunately some of them were delayed again." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, the Reserve Bank's operating budget for the coming year has been slashed by about 25 per cent - we speak to Finance Minister Nicola Willis; the Commerce Commision has found KiwiRail misled customers about when they were eligible to receive compensation when their Interislander ferries broke down; an Oxfordshire man has set a new world record after Morris dancing for more than 11 hours straight and Kerry-Anne Walsh brings all the news from across the ditch.

The Commerce Commission has accepted legally binding commitments from KiwiRail to compensate customers impacted by ferry breakdowns in 2023. Interislander has also committed to updating its policies and terms and conditions to make sure they are in line with consumer law. Vanessa Horne from the Commerce Commission spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 17th of April, the Government has announced a $20b plan to upgrade our health infrastructure, so now we need some action. The Commerce Commission has pushed KiwiRail to compensate the victims of cancelled Interislander ferries. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson wrap the short week, and we deal with Kate's first boomer moment. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission says it'll take KiwiRail to court if it doesn't compensate ferry customers. The rail provider's agreed to pay those disrupted in three Interislander cancellations in early 2023. KiwiRail had previously treated delays and cancellations from mechanical faults as out of their control, which the Commerce Commission argued misled customers. The Commission's Vanessa Horne told Mike Hosking KiwiRail should've taken action on its own accord. She says good businesses get ahead of the game to ensure customers are cared for. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister for Economic Growth: What recent announcements has she made regarding supermarket competition? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement, "The Government is focusing on the things that make a difference to the quality of people's lives"; if so, do the changes coming in today reflect that? ANDY FOSTER to the Minister for Rail: Is the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme "on track"? RAWIRI WAITITI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Are her policies working; if not, why not? MIKE BUTTERICK to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has he seen on trust and confidence in the Police? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister for Rail: When will New Zealanders know the cost of their new Interislander ferries and how the requisite port-side infrastructure will be funded? NANCY LU to the Minister for Building and Construction: What is the Government doing to lower building costs and make it easier to build?

On today's episode, the Minister for Rail Winston Peters has unveiled plans for the new Interislander ferries, RNZ has released a new poll which shows the government holding onto a slim lead, and we look back on 50 years of Morning Report.

There's a view that the ferry deal timeline is optimistic. Rail Minister Winston Peters has announced two road and rail-enabled ferries and upgrades to port infrastructure will be rolled out late in 2029. Former Chair of the Ferry Ministerial Advisory Group Mark Thompson told Mike Hosking that will be a challenge with current conditions. He says there's an influx of orders for ship builder, which could jeopardise the timeline. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive. The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029. Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington. Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts. Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships. "They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Winston Peters says the Government has signed off on the option of two new Interislander ferries that can carry cars, passengers and rail. It will all be much cheaper of course than the iRex project, but no actual contract has been signed yet. What do we think of this? There was a big fuss over the Greens' Benjamin Doyle and some posts he made on a private social media account. The posts included images of their child with bylines that appear to be sexualised references. Winston Peters is calling for an investigation - what do we make of this? President Donald Trump has indicated he's willing to run for a third term - should we take this seriously? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New documents reveal the coalition has set aside 300 million dollars to cover broken infrastructure contracts and a break-fee with Hyundai, after the government ended a contract with the Korean company to build two new Interislander ferries. The contract, known as iRex, was cancelled with Hyundai shortly after the Coalition came to power. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Leiataualesa Susana Lei'ataua.

Transporting New Zealand is looking at a world of change in road transport, including congestion charging, the need to transition to greener models than diesel, and the provision of new Interislander ferries.

The government is investing $30 million dollars' worth of tourism levies into conservation tourism. Conversation Minister Tama Potaka announced the funding at the Prime Minister's weekly post-Cabinet media briefing. Mr Potaka was still sharing details about the funding when an email update on the Interislander ferries dropped into journalists' inboxes. Political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Lisa Owen.

It was Chris versus Chris in the House this afternoon, as Hipkins went toe-to-toe with Luxon in the House today The Prime Minister drew first blood in his response to accusations from Labour that he's unable to control his Cabinet. Chris Hipkins was quick to fire back - and asked if Nicola Willis was more likely to replace the Interislander ferries or Luxon as Prime Minister by the end of the year. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a memorable session in Parliament. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's open to corporate tax cuts in this year's budget. Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB last night that our corporate tax system isn't competitive enough with other countries. She confirmed the corporate tax rate, currently sitting at 28 percent, is being looked at as part of the whole business tax system. Christopher Luxon confirmed with Mike Hosking they're willing to make changes, and there's a lot of possible options. He says any announcement would be part of the May budget. Luxon says lower tax rates are one way to encourage growth, as well as incentivising investment in things like technology. Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown is urging the Government to ease the visa restrictions for Chinese tourists. China has a policy that allows New Zealanders visa-free access if they're visiting for less than 30 days – a policy Brown says we should be reciprocating. Luxon says there are some challenges involved in powering up the number of Chinese tourists coming into the country. He told Hosking that there are genuine immigration concerns to consider, and they need to ensure there's a good policy in place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details could be coming this week about the procuring company for the Interislander ferries. In December last year, the Government announced it would set up a company to procure the ferries, freeing up Kiwirail. It's committed to a March deadline. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she believes Minister-in-Charge Winston Peters has a handle on the process - and will be incorporating once the directors are appointed. She says her alternative procurement plan is ready to go as a fallback. "The Minister for Rail is doing the right thing, he is comparing that option with what else might be out there and he's running the process to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Interislander sailings were cancelled yesterday and another two were delayed - leaving hundreds of passengers stranded for hours. Four Bluebridge ferries were also cancelled. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira Kiwirail's fleet operations manager Taru Sawhney who said better than antecipated weather means both boats are now back in action.

The Prime Minister's defending the Government effectively delaying a Cook Strait ferry decision. Christopher Luxon appears to have let slip the Government's signed off two rail-compatible ferries, unless a better proposal is on the table within the next few months. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan the ferries need to be replaced in 2029, meaning the procurement decision doesn't need to be made by the end of March. Luxon says they have a proposal for two rail-compatible ferries as a default. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Focus on Politics, RNZ's political editor Jo Moir sits down with new Minister for Rail Winston Peters to discuss the future of the Interislander ferries, and what next year will bring for the New Zealand First leader. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The much anticipated big reveal failed to reveal cost details, whether ferries would be rail enabled, or any specifics about the ships and where they are coming from. Instead the government announced it's setting up a new crown owned company to buy two ferries, with an operating start date of 2029. But it does say the whole project will cost much less than the last government's plan, including break fees for canning the ships. Chief Executive Officer of Booth Logistics Dallas Vince spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Government has failed to deliver a ferry-tale ending for the Interislander today - with major questions persisting around the ship's replacement. A year on from pulling the pin on Labour's project, the coalition has announced it will establish a company to procure two new vessels - to be delivered by 2029. Decisions are to be made in March - but there's no word on how much the deal might cost - or whether the ferries will have rail rolling on and off. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

A key logistics company says progress on getting new Interislander ferries is frustratingly slow. Mainfreight managing director Don Braid spoke to Corin Dann.

The government has announced its plan to replace the Interisland ferries, but there are still many questions to be answered. Minister for Rail Winston Peters spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The government has announced its plan to replace the Interislander ferries, but detail is lacking. Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Government has unveiled its plan for replacing the Interislander ferries, having scrapped Labour's iRex project a year ago. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Corin Dann.

It hasn't been clear sailing for the Interislander, but any day the government will announce plans for the ferries' future…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details