16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
163 views
KiwiRail will invest up to $37.5 million in Picton rail yard upgrades and auto-mooring technology for the New Ferries project, with no additional cost to taxpayers beyond the $1.7 billion allocation. The investment, approved by Rail Minister Winston Peters, aims to improve rail operations and enhance ship berthing efficiency without delaying the overall project timeline. This initiative reflects disciplined scope control and confidence in KiwiRail as the long-term Interislander operator.
16 Jun 2026
4 months ago
873 views
The environmental impacts of the former Endeavour Inlet antimony mine site in Marlborough Sounds are being investigated for remediation, with a two-year project funded equally by the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Conservation. The investigation will assess contamination risks to soil, water, and ecology, consider sea level rise effects, and inform mitigation and safety measures to protect the surrounding recreational, coastal, and heritage areas. This effort aims to manage risks and preserve the environment for continued public enjoyment of the region.
16 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1136 views
The Marlborough District Council has begun consulting on funding Port Marlborough’s $110 million contribution to revenue-generating port assets in Picton, supporting new resilient ferries for road, rail, and passengers. This initiative, part of a $531 million budget for Picton works, aims to replace ferries while saving taxpayers $2.3 billion and securing long-term infrastructure for the Interislander and Bluebridge services. The proposal is designed to cost no additional ratepayer funds, with dividends from Port Marlborough benefiting the community and taxpayers funding the balance through Ferry Holdings.
15 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1579 views
KiwiRail and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard have settled on a $144 million payment to cover costs incurred from the cancelled Project iReX ferries, with KiwiRail emphasizing the decision was not a reflection on Hyundai. The settlement frees up more funding for other Government projects, debunking claims that canceling the contract would cost taxpayers the full $551 million contract value. The settlement marks the end of mismanagement by the previous government, which failed to consider necessary port infrastructure, resulting in a near quadrupling of project costs before its cancellation in December 2023.