Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister confirms the Government has signed off on two rail-compatible ferries
Dec 16, 2024
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Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, discusses the government's recent decision to procure two rail-compatible ferries for the Cook Strait, set to replace older models by 2029. He explains that although the proposal is on the table, they're open to better alternatives. Luxon emphasizes the importance of value for money and safety in this procurement process. The conversation also touches on the need for financial discipline in tough economic times and the balance between spending and long-term investments.
Christopher Luxon confirmed that the Government has approved two rail-compatible ferries to replace the current ones by 2029.
The Prime Minister emphasized a cautious procurement strategy, focusing on value for money while managing ongoing economic challenges.
Deep dives
Addressing Classroom Distractions
The Prime Minister emphasizes the significance of banning phones in schools to reduce distractions in the classroom. Many educators and parents felt overwhelmed by the disruption that mobile devices caused, which affected students' focus on learning. The initiative, inspired by successful implementations in other regions, aims to tackle ongoing issues with literacy, numeracy, and attendance. Feedback has been positive, with reports indicating that students are engaging more openly with each other and that instances of cyberbullying have decreased.
Economic Challenges and Budget Discipline
The discussion reveals the ongoing economic difficulties faced by the government, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining public services and adhering to financial discipline. The Prime Minister acknowledges the temptation to either overspend or enforce strict austerity but insists on the necessity for a more measured approach to spending. The focus is on extracting value from existing public services rather than immediately cutting staff levels to pre-pandemic numbers. This strategy aims to avoid exacerbating the economic strain while ensuring that essential services remain functional.
Future Plans for Transport Infrastructure
The conversation also covers plans for the procurement of new ferries, with a cautious approach to ensure value for money. The Prime Minister indicates that a proposal for two rail-compatible ferries is in place, meeting the replacement timeline set for 2029. He reinforces the importance of careful decision-making in managing public funds, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of transport solutions. Additionally, he conveys a commitment to enhancing the performance of KiwiRail while exploring options that offer better value for taxpayers.
The Prime Minister's defending the Government effectively delaying a Cook Strait ferry decision.
Christopher Luxon appears to have let slip the Government's signed off two rail-compatible ferries, unless a better proposal is on the table within the next few months.
He told Heather du Plessis-Allan the ferries need to be replaced in 2029, meaning the procurement decision doesn't need to be made by the end of March.
Luxon says they have a proposal for two rail-compatible ferries as a default.