39671 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail

Written Question

Published date: 21 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	39671 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Sep 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister for Rail
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Winston Peters
Answer received:	15 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_39671_2026
Document guid:	1f80eb19-c74d-45ee-ad6f-4fb09526d847

39671 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail: What is the cost to KiwiRail of relaunching the NZ Connect coastal shipping service, and what freight volumes is it forecast to carry during the 2026 and 2027 maintenance periods?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: NZ Connect is a commercial service, meaning the costs to serve are less than the revenue it generates. The specific numbers in revenue and volume terms cannot be released as KiwiRail has a right to go about its commercial activities without prejudice or disadvantage. It remains a backstop for volume if needed by the market, noting however the Interislander ferries have achieved 100% sailing reliability so far this year.