Roger Handford The end of the three-month coastal service between Gisborne and Napier raises a number of questions which have not been answered. In total $2.75 million of taxpayers' money was spent on this venture, but no assessment has yet been provided on whether it was truly economic. I note with some concern that the businesses that used the Rangitata are not interested in continuing the service. Eastland Port's operations manager Andy Kinsella has been quoted in other media as saying the companies had told him with State Highway 2 reopened, it was easier and more convenient to use roads.

https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/column/business-response-ominous-for-port-and-rail

#gisborneherald