71480 (2024). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

71480 (2024). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: What reassurances can he provide to New Zealanders, especially those who rely on maritime travel in the Cook Strait, that their safety will not be compromised due to inadequate towing services?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Government established the Ministerial Advisory Group to ensure there was stronger asset management in place for the Interislander fleet. Additionally, as part of Budget 2024, the Government is investing in undertaking a business case to explore options for emergency ocean response capability for Cook Strait. The Ministry of Transport is working with Maritime New Zealand to consider options for this.