Keen to see coastal shipping service continue

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Voters in this week’s web poll strongly believe the three-month emergency shipping route between Gisborne and Napier will develop into a permanent coastal shipping service for Tairawhiti.
The question was, “Do you think the three-month emergency shipping route will develop into a permanent coastal shipping service for Tairāwhiti?”
Just over half of the respondents, 52 percent (131) reckon the shipping route will become a permanent service.
Eighty-nine voters, or 35 percent, did not agree. Thirty-four, or 13 percent, were uncertain. A total of 254 votes were cast.
Many who believe the service will become permanent do so because they want less heavy traffic on the road.
Among the comments were:
• “Hope so. Would divert a huge amount of heavy traffic off our already overloaded roads.”
• “Will need local businesses to think outside the box to make it work.”
• “It has the potential to save millions on roading wear and tear.” 
•  “I hope so. Our roads are disgusting and dangerous.”
•  “It would be the smartest, most sensible thing to happen. Let’s lead in the way of the future.”
 • “It should be permanent and should have been in place long ago.”
Comments against a permanent service included:
• “Cannot afford it.”
• “Why not put the money into rail?”
• “Eastland Port has pitched the cost too high on this introductory service. If the cost was substantially reduced it may have a future.”
• “The Government should invest in reinstating the rail from Gisborne right through to Napier Port at the same time as giving the port this boost.”