NZ First raises possibility of Aratere grounding being human error

NZ First raises possibility of Aratere grounding being human error
The Interislander ferry Aratere, grounded in the Marlborough Sounds. (Image: Tim Cuff)
Oliver Lewis
New Zealand First has publicly raised the possibility that human error caused the grounding of the Interislander ferry Aratere.Regulatory body Maritime New Zealand placed Aratere under a detention order following the June 21 grounding, which is also being investigated by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).The 25-year-old ferry ran aground in the Marlborough Sounds shortly after departing Picton on a freight-only sailing. Its steering system had recently been upgraded, leading to initial speculation that issues with the upgra...

More Infrastructure

EPA’s Allan Freeth sets record straight
Primary Sector

EPA’s Allan Freeth sets record straight

Resignation news a simple case of "bad timing", says environment watchdog CEO.

War on Nature v Going for Growth
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: War on Nature v Going for Growth

Some big environmental eggs were broken this week to 'go for growth'.

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit
Economy

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit

Fulton Hogan paid a total dividend of $180.4m for 2025.

Duncan Bridgeman 05 Nov 2025
EPA head quits with fast-track changes
Policy

EPA head quits with fast-track changes

The latest fast-track reforms go far beyond supermarket resource consenting.