Rail Minister Winston Peters revealed the names of the two new ferries headed for New Zealand in 2029.

The new ferry names are Kupe, after the first Polynesian navigator to discover New Zealand, and Cook, after Captain James Cook, who led an expedition to New Zealand with the Endeavour in the 18th century.

Peters confirmed that KiwiRail would continue to own the Interislander ferries once they arrive, the Government had refused to commit to full KiwiRail ownership.

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "we're just gonna get on and do the job, but most people will be delightfully happy with it."

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