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KiwiRail has been informed of Maritime New Zealand’s decision to initiate legal proceedings against the company concerning the loss of power incident involving the Interislander ferry, Kaitaki, in January 2023.
KiwiRail Limited chief executive Peter Reidy says “We want to reassure our passengers and staff that their safety remains our utmost priority. Ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the Interislander service is a fundamental commitment of the KiwiRail Board and management team.”
In response to the Kaitaki incident, KiwiRail undertook a comprehensive review of our asset management practices. This review, conducted with the assistance of global experts, was aimed at aligning the operation of the Interislander with international best practice standards. KiwiRail are proud to report that during the recent busy Christmas period, the Interislander ferries achieved 100 percent asset reliability and an impressive 91.4 percent on-time performance, a record that rivals some of the top performers in the global aviation industry.
However, as the case is now under judicial consideration, KiwiRail are unable to provide further comments on the ongoing prosecution.
The January 2023 incident occurred where the Kaitaki lost propulsion while approaching Wellington Harbour. The ferry, carrying over 800 passengers and 80 crew members, issued a mayday call but was able to regain limited power and safely reach the port for passengers to disembark.
The subsequent 12-month investigation by Maritime New Zealand, involved a thorough examination of KiwiRail’s safety and maintenance management processes and procedures, interviews, and a detailed inspection of the Kaitaki post-incident.
“After an extensive review of all the material, the decision to prosecute was made.” says Maritime New Zealand director, Kirstie Hewlett.
Given that this matter is now before the courts, Maritime NZ is not in a position to comment further on the proceedings.
