Archive for February, 2010

Dairy Exports: Fonterra Warms To KiwiRail For Milk Movements

Fonterra and KiwiRail are yet to hold formal talks on any serious expansion of rail freight from its South Island plants but the potential for bulk milk haulage is clear. Gary Romano, managing director for Fonterra Trade and Operations, floated the idea of a “milk train” potentially providing a more efficient link between Edendale and […]

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NZ Roads: Rating system could lead to speed limit changes

Transit times for road freight could potentially increase if a safety star system for the country’s state highways is adopted. The rating system could provide the Govt with a basis for reviewing speed limits according to roading standards with the prospect more dangerous routes will have lower speed limits imposed. Transport Minister Steven Joyce says […]

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Port Sector: South Port upbeat after first half volumes down

Cargo volumes at South Port fell 8% to 984,000 tonnes in the first half, contributing to a 24% drop in profit to $1.7m, reflecting the waning fortunes of the global economy. Chairman John Harrington says it may take a further 12 - 18 months before complete confidence is restored to global markets, while NZ’s economy […]

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Port Reform: Auck-Tauranga Alliance Could Be 3-5 Years Away

Don’t expect any movement on consolidation of North Island ports this year. Any discussions involving Ports of Auckland will have to wait until after elections for the new super city in October. Ports of Auckland CEO Jens Madsen says Port of Tauranga is “no longer on our radar” after an approach for an amalgamation of […]

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Rail Reform: 2010 Priorities Include Tough Decisions On KiwiRail

Funding options for KiwiRail are among Transport Minister Steven Joyce’s top four priorities for 2010. He says “the Crown’s going to have to put more money into it as a shareholder. At this point they would not be able to carry any more debt than they’re currently carrying.” Joyce is working with Finance Minister Bill […]

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Infrastructure Funding: PPP promoters advocate new funding structure

Promoters of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to help fund roading projects in NZ are back on the offensive saying failed PPP transport projects in Aust are structured differently to the type of projects which could be undertaken in NZ. Commentators in Aust say investors have been turned off by the collapse of the Lane Cove Tunnel […]

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NZ Port Sector: Port rationalisation ’still inevitable’

Port of Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns says losses by container shipping lines ran to about $US20bn in the past 12 months, leaving “a fair bit of blood on the carpet.” He says an estimated 11.6% of the world’s total container fleet is at anchor currently and shipping lines “will be looking for further cost savings […]

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NZ Aviation Sector: Air Asia X could fly to Garden City

Christchurch International airport (CIAL) appears to have stolen a march over Auckland International Airport by snaring a new air service which could link the city with Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian based cut price carrier AirAsia X is expected to announce it will soon start flying to Christchurch from Kuala Lumpur via Gold Coast following prolonged negotiations […]

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NZ Roads: Motorway extension step closer to opening

Construction of the controversial SH1 motorway extension between Puhoi and Wellsford dubbed by some “The Holiday Highway” is a step closer to starting with the Govt giving the project the green light. NZ Transport Agency is now firming up plans for the $1.38bn four-lane motorway which will extend Auckland’s northern motorway by another 38km and […]

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Port Sector: Govt Needs To Drop Hands-Off Approach To Ports

Mainfreight MDr Don Braid says reform of the port sector and putting KiwiRail on a strong economic footing are the two biggest transport issues facing NZ and the Govt can’t afford to opt out. “There’s no plan for how our ports will compete on the world stage,” he says. Transport Minister Steven Joyce “thinks internal […]

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