Public consultation has begun on a proposal to help fund major upgrades at Picton’s port, with the Marlborough District Council launching a process tied to a $110 million contribution from Port Marlborough.
The funding would support revenue-generating infrastructure as part of a wider redevelopment linked to the Government’s ferry replacement programme.
Rail Minister Winston Peters said the work is aimed at ensuring long-term resilience for new ferries serving road, rail and passenger transport across Cook Strait. He described the consultation as both a legal requirement under the Local Government Act and a key milestone in a project the Government says will significantly reduce costs compared to earlier plans.
The broader Picton upgrade has a budget of $531 million, with Port Marlborough’s capped contribution covering assets it will own and generate returns from. The remaining funding is expected to come from the Government through Ferry Holdings, with revenue intended to benefit taxpayers over time.
Officials say the proposal would not impose additional costs on ratepayers while supporting the long-term value of the port. Picton remains a critical transport hub, hosting ferry services from Interislander for more than six decades and Bluebridge since the early 2000s, with both operators playing a major role in regional tourism and transport.
Ferries that actually work.
Looks good. Start the project right now!