2 December 2024
Patrick George O'Rourke
[FYI request #25160 email]
Dear Patrick
Thank you for your Official Information Act request, received on 13 December 2023. Your
request was:
I live in Marlborough and the success of my employer and the local economy
depends on KiwiRail Interislander Infrastructure that is decayed and outdated. I’m
interested in the I-Rex project development and changes the new government has
taken in approaching the project.
As a result, I ask that you please release any advice you have received about
funding this project, and any communication and consultation taken with the local
MP, Stuart Smith.
Information will soon be publicly available
The Treasury, alongside other Government departments and KiwiRail, is preparing to
proactively release a number of documents relating to Project iReX. This release wil cover
information within scope of the first part of your request for advice about founding Project
iRex, and wil soon be publicly available on Treasury website:
https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/other-official-information/information-
releases.
Accordingly, I have refused this part of your request under section 18(d) of the Official
Information Act – the information requested is or wil soon be publicly available.
Information does not exist
I do not hold any information within scope of the last part of your request for
communication and consultation taken with the local MP, Stuart Smith.
Accordingly, this part of your request is refused under section 18(e) of the Act, as the
document al eged to contain the information requested does not exist or, despite
reasonable efforts to locate it, cannot be found.
I acknowledge the important role that the Cook Strait ferries have in supporting the
regional Marlborough economy. Please be assured that this Government is committed
to ensuring the Strait remains resilient and reliable and is exploring options to achieve
this that, relative to Project iReX, provide greater value for taxpayer’s money.
This reply addresses the information you requested. You have the right to ask the
Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision.
Yours sincerely
Hon Nicola Wil is
Minister of Finance
