Interisland ferry protest flotilla makes point in safety

The Interisland ferry Kaitaki docked at Picton without incident at the weekend after a protest flotilla of boats heeded warnings to act in a responsible manner.

The boaties were protesting against the speed at which the Kaitaki travels through the Marlborough Sounds, saying a speed of 18 knots creates waves that damage the shoreline and swamp boats.

Interislander owner Toll New Zealand is fighting Marlborough District Council's speed restriction of 15 knots, saying the limit will cost the company millions of dollars.

The protesters carried placards that said "Safety B4 $" and "Stop wrecking our Sounds".

The Kaitaki, carrying 940 passengers and 220 vehicles on its trip from Wellington to Picton, was met by about 30 protest boats as it entered Tory Channel about 11am on Saturday. Uniformed police were on the ferry, which was escorted by a police launch and a coastguard vessel.

Guardians of the Sounds spokesman Peter Beech said the protest had been carefully co-ordinated with the harbourmaster, Toll and the Maritime Safety Authority.

As the ferry approached Maud Island on the way to Picton, the number of protest boats had swelled to about 60.

- NZPA