Kiwirail has failed to manage the operation and management of the Interislander ferry service in a safe and financially sustainable way. Their proposal to replace the ferries had an eye-watering cost blowout that would have seen taxpayers forking out $3.2 billion instead of the $750 million originally promised.

Bluebridge has managed a fleet of eight different ferries since 1992. They managed to replace and renew them successfully before they break down, and have done it without costing taxpayers a cent. 

It's time the Government sold the Interislander to a private operator where it will be run better with no cost to the taxpayer.

"I call on the Government to sell the Interislander ferry service and use the proceeds to pay down debt."