Denis O’Rourke MP

NZ First Spokesperson for Transport
28 NOVEMBER 2016

Government Must Ensure Permanent Shipping Service

KiwiRail’s new coastal shipping connection between Auckland and Lyttelton should be made permanent with a roll-on roll-off service, says New Zealand First Transport spokesperson Denis O’Rourke.

“It has taken a disastrous earthquake to awaken the need to have a coastal shipping service which successive governments have allowed to be run down.

“With both the road and rail link along the Kaikoura coast shattered the flow of freight between the North and South Islands has been seriously compromised placing great pressure on businesses which any reasonable government would have foreseen.

“Up until six or so years ago there was a roll-on roll-off cargo vessel plying the route between Wellington and Lyttelton operated by a New Zealand company, Pacifica Shipping Ltd.

“The government ruined that service by allowing foreign vessels to carry freight around New Zealand.

“Now, the government must step in and ensure the return of a permanent roll-on roll-off freight service between the North and South Islands, preferably under New Zealand ownership,” Mr O’Rourke says.

ENDS

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