48166 (2024). Hon Barbara Edmonds to the Minister of Finance

48166 (2024). Hon Barbara Edmonds to the Minister of Finance: Has she been advised that E-Flexer ferries would be too large for existing wharf facilities and would require significant landside investment to operate in the interisland service, if so, on what date and by whom?

Hon Nicola Willis: Ministers have received advice from the Ministerial Advisory Group tasked with providing independent advice and assurance on the future of KiwiRail’s inter-island ferry service, as well as advice from officials, and correspondence with KiwiRail, including advice and correspondence regarding KiwiRail’s contract with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD). This is currently under consideration, and KiwiRail is currently in negotiations with HMD. Until decisions are taken, and KiwiRail’s negotiations are complete, it is not in the public interest to comment further. Announcements will be made once these matters have been considered by Cabinet, and the Ministerial Advisory Group’s advice, advice from officials, correspondence from KiwiRail and Cabinet papers, and any other relevant correspondence or information, will be released subject to appropriate redactions under the Official Information Act. Regarding questions about the titles of advice I have received from officials, I am advised that the Treasury publishes a monthly list of titles of advice to Ministers, by the middle of the month after the advice is provided. I refer the member to that list.