Photo: RNZ / Ashleigh McCaull
The Shipping Federation says a new coastal shipping route between Napier and Gisborne should be the first of many more.
The Government's announced a $3m dollar subsidy last week to allow the Rangitata to cover the route for the next three months.
It is estimated to take up to 200 trucks off the road each week - a trip which used to be three hours but now takes six, due to damage to the road between Napier and Wairoa.
Last year, Waka Kotahi got a one-off $30m to support coastal shipping.
But John Harbord, Executive Director of the New Zealand Shipping Federation, says much more is needed. He speaks to Kathryn along with Rail and Maritime Transport Union Spokesperson Todd Valster.
