17 NOVEMBER 2025 Media Release: Port Marlborough welcomes government announcement on ferry programme investment Port Marlborough welcomes the Government’s announcement confirming funding, procurement of the new ships, and the next phase of the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme. This decision brings the certainty needed to progress to the delivery stage of the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project and ensures the national State Highway connection is ready for the future. In Waitohi Picton, the redevelopment project will be delivering the infrastructure required to support the new vessels and to maintain continuity for all customers during construction. This includes a new wharf, a new linkspan, upgrades to terminal connections, and the relocation and reuse of the existing passenger walkway. KiwiRail and NZTA are also progressing the new Dublin Street overbridge to improve safety and efficiency by separating road and rail movements. The project team is carefully staging works to maintain business continuity across the port. This includes enabling works and operational planning to ensure customers remain supported through each phase. “The ministerial announcement today on funding and procurement gives us a clear pathway forward. Our priority is to deliver the infrastructure for the next generation of Interislander vessels while keeping New Zealand’s supply chain moving smoothly. Cook Strait ferries are a critical link for the country, and Port Marlborough is ready. As the South Island facilitator of New Zealand’s State Highway and main rail connection, we bring proven operational expertise, a complete and modern towage fleet, and a project team with deep engineering and infrastructure experience. Port Marlborough has managed ferry and cruise activity in the Sounds for many years, and that experience positions us well for what comes next. We are ready to progress and support the next stage of programme delivery,” said Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn. Port Marlborough looks forward to moving into the delivery phase of this nationally significant project, and will continue working closely with Ferry Holdings, KiwiRail, central and local government, iwi partners, and industry stakeholders. Our shared goal is a ferry precinct that supports safe, reliable, and sustainable services while enabling regional development and long-term transport needs. Port Marlborough has published a project page for further information and projects updates here on their website: https://portmarlborough.co.nz/waitohi-ferry-redevelopment-project/ More information about the project and today’s announcement from Minister for Rail Winston Peters can be found here on the Ferry Holdings Website: https://www.ferryholdings.co.nz/ # Ends #
