39674 (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:	39674 (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_39674_2026
Document guid:	64ef111a-5a6a-4b27-91b2-42e33a48b4fa

39674 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister for Rail: What modelling, if any, has KiwiRail or Ferry Holdings undertaken on the volume of freight expected to move off Cook Strait during planned one-ship maintenance periods between 2026 and 2028, and what were the results?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: Ferry Holdings has no responsibility for the operation of the Interislander to 2029. KiwiRail undertakes such modelling, which informs their decision to schedule maintenance periods during the low demand period so that a one-ship fleet can manage the demand. KiwiRail works with customers to inform scheduling in each year, and as such final modelling is not in place until closer to the time decisions are taken. This is not information held by a shareholding Minister and KiwiRail has a right to go about its commercial activities without prejudice or disadvantage.