N🟁N

Politics live: Nicola Willis on the cost of Cook Strait ferries

The article from RNZ discusses the political and economic implications of the Cook Strait ferry services in New Zealand. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the significant costs associated with these ferries, which are crucial for connecting the North and South Islands. The discussion includes the government's consideration of funding options for the replacement of the aging Interislander ferries, with Willis expressing concerns over the financial burden this could place on taxpayers. She mentioned that the government is exploring various funding models, including public-private partnerships, to mitigate the costs. Additionally, there's mention of the broader economic impact, as the ferries are vital for freight and tourism, affecting the national economy. The conversation also touches on the need for infrastructure resilience, especially in light of recent disruptions due to mechanical issues with the current fleet.

Read the Full RNZ Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556758/politics-live-nicola-willis-on-the-cost-of-cook-strait-ferries ]