I was on the Kaitaki, on the way back from a kayaking trip in Abel Tasman, when it had it's breakdown, so I know better than anyone the consequences of these ferries failing, but the project to upgrade them was at more than 2x the original budget, and set to increase further when the new government pulled the plug.

If Labour and Kiwirail had managed to keep the project under budget, we'd still be getting the boats, but the project had blown out by more than the cost of the vessels themselves.

The whole thing is a clown show, to be honest.

[–] BalpeenHammer 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

The question is why there was a blowout. Was the original bid just a foolish pie in the sky number cooked up in order to get the project approved? Was there some problem discovered during the planning phase that caused a blowout?

[–] thevoyagekayaking 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Was the original bid just a foolish pie in the sky number cooked up in order to get the project approved?

Comments have been made implying that was the case, yes.

[–] BalpeenHammer 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

If that was the case then all parties were complicit in the grift including the public.

[–] thevoyagekayaking 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

How is the general public complicit?

[–] BalpeenHammer 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Buy raising a stink when the real costs are mentioned.

[–] thevoyagekayaking 0 points 9 months ago (1 children)

You're a fascinating little guy, I hope you stick around. This place is far too sensible, we need a few nuts thrown into the mix.

[–] BalpeenHammer 1 points 9 months ago

I'll stick around. It's not healthy to live in a circle jerk.

[–] BalpeenHammer 1 points 9 months ago

Beggar can't be choosers, this is why we can't afford nice things etc.