Cook Strait Chaos: Interislander boss apologies

From Nine To Noon, 9:20 am on 23 February 2023
Bluebridge and Interislander in Picton  Marlborough sounds

Bluebridge and Interislander in Picton Marlborough sounds Photo: RNZ/ Rachel Thomas

KiwiRail has apologised over the stranding of passengers either side of Cook Strait, due to more engine problems.

The Kaiarahi ferry was taken out service after an engineering problem on Monday, and the Kaitaki is only delivering freight after it lost power and got stranded at sea last month. 

One of the Bluebridge vessels also suffered engine trouble on Friday but is back in service now.

Some passengers say they've been cancelled multiple times, have not been able to re-book and refunds are taking too long.

Susie speaks with one woman, trying to make a  mercy dash from Nelson to be with her parents in flooded Hawkes Bay, was forced to abandon her car in Picton, fly to Wellington, and buy another car to drive north.

She says communications with both ferry companies have been terrible.

Susie also speaks with Interislander's Executive General Manager Walter Rushbrook.