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Why did the Minister for Rail state on 17 July 2026 that the commercial agreements "set the basis for main works contracts to be entered later this year" when Ferry Holdings Limited's Statement of Performance Expectations 2026/27 states that main works commenced in Picton in June 2026 and were scheduled to commence in Wellington in July 2026?

Answered Question 33705 (2026)
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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Question

  • Why did the Minister for Rail state on 17 July 2026 that the commercial agreements "set the basis for main works contracts to be entered later this year" when Ferry Holdings Limited's Statement of Performance Expectations 2026/27 states that main works commenced in Picton in June 2026 and were scheduled to commence in Wellington in July 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister for Rail

Answer

In the very same speech, we acknowledged Brian Perry Civil and HEB as the construction partners already brought into the project by CentrePort and Port Marlborough respectively. As we are talking about taxpayers money being invested, Ministerial approvals were required in July 2026 for the next stage of works to proceed including main works contracts.