Government announces $1.86 billion Cook Strait ferry replacement programme

Wednesday 19 November 2025 · 6 outlets · 7 reports · updated Wed 19 Nov 2025, 4:01pm

In this story Winston Peters, KiwiRail, Ferry Holdings Limited

Rail Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a $1.86 billion programme to replace the Interislander fleet with two new ferries and port upgrades. A $596 million contract has been signed with a Chinese shipyard for the vessels, which are expected to enter service in 2029.

How they headlined it

3:26pm

1. 1NewsWed 19 Nov 2025, 3:26pm

   Full video: Peters makes Interislander ferries announcement (opens in new tab)

   • Govt reveals costs of its new Cook Strait ferries (opens in new tab) Wed 19 Nov 2025, 3:30pm
2. The Press via The PostWed 19 Nov 2025, 3:30pm

   Replacing Cook Strait ferries to cost $1.86 billion (opens in new tab)

3. RNZWed 19 Nov 2025, 3:34pm

   New Cook Strait ferries won't cost more than $2b, Rail Minister vows (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesWed 19 Nov 2025, 3:40pm

   New ferries to cost less than $2b, Peters confirms (opens in new tab)

5. StuffWed 19 Nov 2025, 3:59pm

   Winston Peters reveals new ferries deal, ‘saving billions’, says consultants had ‘hijacked’ past plan (opens in new tab)

6. NZ HeraldWed 19 Nov 2025, 4:01pm

   New Cook Strait Interislander ferries contract signed, Winston Peters touts $2.3b savings (opens in new tab)