126 (2024). Arena Williams to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises

126 (2024). Arena Williams to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Following the Government's decision, announced by the Minister of Finance on 11 December 2023, to cancel the Inter-Island Resilient Connection project, what is the Minister's plan to ensure a more resilient State Highway 1 across the Cook Strait for exporters and domestic freight forwarders?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: The Government is committed to ensuring that the Cook Strait connection continues to support New Zealanders, the New Zealand industry and supports a more resilient State Highway. That is why we are establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group to provide assurance on how KiwiRail is maintaining and operating its current ferry assets. The Government has also asked the Ministry of Transport to lead an assessment of the long-term requirements for a resilient connection across Cook Strait to connect people and enable freight.