The most recent instance of Interislander ferry indecision recently announced is just the latest in a long history of such debacles, mostly politically-motivated to favour the Road Gang, that have plagued the advancement of a modern, efficient transport system in New Zealand.

A prime example was the acceptance of a down-sized, Auckland Harbour Bridge in the 1950s. The resulting ‘austerity’ bridge omitted the previously-planned-for, public transport, cycling, and pedestrian access across the harbour in favour of road traffic only –– the cheaper option that was to later cost so much more.

And then, despite the expense and advice of so many reports provided by independent experts advocating a complementary public transport system for Auckland, that advice was ignored in favour of what was falsely promoted by the Road Gang to be cheaper motorways –– again an option that was to cost so much more than the original estimate. 

Time will tell, when this Government finally decides, if the cheaper option will include rail-enabled ferries to ply the Cook Strait. Whatever the outcome, the decision will no doubt favour the interests of the Road Gang, first and foremost, as it has for decades.