Some Auckland ferry services will return to normal frequency next month with new crew trained to plug workforce gaps.
Auckland Transport reduced timetables last October to make time for ferry operator Fullers360 to train staff.
Last year, the restricted services and abrupt cancellations annoyed commuters, some of whom faced long trips on buses to get to their destinations.
Following mass cancellations of Fullers ferries earlier in the year, then-immigration minister Michael Wood called a crisis meeting with Fullers, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi, to address the staff shortage.
The result was that skippers and deckhands were added to the green list for visas.
Fullers360 marine manager Andy Johnson said 20 new deckhands and 10 skippers had been appointed.
From June 4, Devonport ferries would return to a 20-minute frequency. Weekday off-peak and evening sailings for Half Moon Bay would be coming back as well, along with additional Friday night services.
Additional weekday sailings would also be added to the Bayswater, Birkenhead and Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry routes from June 4. Working closely with Explore, who became the operator for these services in September 2023, AT said it was committed to having frequent ferries once again for these communities.
rnz.co.nz