KiwiRail’s decision to retire the Interislander ferry Aratere has prompted a range of reactions from freight and maritime groups.
Road freight body National Road Carriers (NRC) supported the move, saying it was “a critical step in future-proofing our inter-island transport network.”
“While the retirement of the Aratere marks the end of a long-serving vessel in New Zealand’s freight and customer operations, we acknowledge the careful planning KiwiRail has undertaken to manage the transition,” NRC policy and advocacy general manager James Smith says.
“Maintaining safe and reliable freight connections across Cook Strait is essential for our members and the customers they serve.
“We welcome KiwiRail’s commitment to continue operating a two-ship service with Kaitaki and Kaiārahi, and to prioritise freight throughout the transition period. The decision to enhance road-bridging capacity to carry rail freight ensures that critical freight flows between the North and South Islands will be maintained at a high standard.
“The assurance that existing customers will be rebooked, and that freight continuity remains a top priority, provides our members and the broader freight industry with confidence. We also support KiwiRail’s intent to consult with the freight market during this period to ensure operational arrangements are practical and effective.
“Ultimately, this work lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient transport link that will benefit freight operators, their customers, and all New Zealanders in the years ahead,” Smith says.
Meanwhile, Transporting New Zealand says the announcement gave its members some certainty but also highlighted serious concerns.
The withdrawal of the Aratere means there will be just four ferries being operated by the Interislander and Bluebridge companies for nearly four years, until the new vessels are scheduled to go into service in December 2029.
“It is a concern that the decaying wharf has reached such a point that the Aratere can no longer be used,” chief executive Dom Kalasih says.
“Given the earlier debate around rail-enabled versus rail capable it is also interesting that it appears that freight movements between the islands will manage for at least the next four years without a rail enabled vessel.
“Our road freight operators will do their best to adapt to the challenges of having one fewer ferry, but there are times when getting space on board is going to be tight.
“Planned maintenance, or unexpected breakdowns which could happen as these ships near the end of their service lives, could put real pressure on capacity for freight.
“While we appreciate the early notice, the reality is that time has run out for any further delays in securing new ferries.
“This also highlight the problems associated with rail-enabled ferries requiring specialist facilities.
“December 2029 is looking a long way away now. The transport sector wants resilience and regular sailings. Anything else is just not good enough for the country,” Kalasih adds.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand strongly criticised the decision and linked it to government cuts.
“MUNZ will be working to ensure our members’ futures are protected during this period of instability caused by poor planning and cancelled investment,” national secretary Carl Findlay says.
“The removal of the Aratere is another blow to the reliability of the Cook Strait crossing, a situation entirely predictable after the cancellation of the iReX project.
“We consistently warned about the fragility of the ageing ferry fleet. Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to scrap the plan for new, purpose-built ferries has left New Zealand reliant on older vessels prone to failure. Losing the Aratere, especially its rail freight capability, puts immense pressure on the remaining vessels and the entire transport network.”
Findlay says MUNZ supported Minister of Rail Winston Peters’ work to secure new rail-enabled ferries, but warned the removal of the Aratere now leaves a major gap for a number of years.
