The Finance Minister thinks New Zealand's existing supply of ferries can keep operating until 2029.

There's been debate about who's to blame for Friday's incident involving the Interislander's Aratere, after it spent 24 hours on the rocks.

Nicola Willis says the Government has plenty of time to replace the existing vessels.

"The Government is committed to ensuring we've got safe, reliable vessels - and we completely accept we want to replace the existing vessels."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Aratere ferry's future uncertain amid pending investigation
• 'Lost the ability to steer the ship': Minister gives update on grounded Interislander
• Francesca Rudkin: The Aratere incident was a PR nightmare for everyone
• Passengers disembarking Interislander after 13 hours onboard