Rail tender

Why would KiwiRail pass over the Fletcher/Downer tender for rail electrification when the Government is encouraging the public to buy Kiwi-made? We all know this decision is made purely on cost and that you get what you pay for. In the case of 66 railway engines from China, nearly 100% were faulty. And substandard steel for the Waterview tunnel as well as false certification could have proved fatal if undetected. Since Fletcher/Downer won on capability, how is it they were rejected? Reliable rail needs to be in “conscionable” hands.

Mary Tallon, Auckland.