Skip to main content

Does the Minister for Rail accept reporting that the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme is already materially over its approved budget, and what is the current variance against the budget allocated by Cabinet?

Answered Question 30345 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • Does the Minister for Rail accept reporting that the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme is already materially over its approved budget, and what is the current variance against the budget allocated by Cabinet?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

No, because that was “inaccurate and misleading” reporting by Andrea Vance in the Post. That quote is attributed to the Media Council, who found that report to be scurrilous, unsubstantial nonsense after an official complaint was laid. The original complaint, The Post’s ChatGPT response, our final comment, and the Media Council’s finding of inaccurate and misleading reporting were tabled in The House a few weeks ago. We suggest you read them.