Ocean Flyer seagliders skimming into Whāngarei

Ocean Flyer seagliders skimming into Whāngarei
Regent's prototype seaglider during a test flight. (Image: Ocean Flyer)
Oliver Lewis
A company planning to bring 25 electric seagliders to New Zealand has signed an agreement with Northport to investigate infrastructure options.Ocean Flyer announced last year it had entered into a $700 million deal with United States startup Regent to purchase fifteen 12-seater and ten 100-seater seagliders, which are due to arrive in NZ in stages from late 2025 and early 2026.Regent, which is backed by NZ citizen and US venture capitalist Peter Thiel, is still developing the crafts, which utilise a concept known as the wing-in-ground effect to...

More Infrastructure

Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
Govt drops Cook Strait rescue vessel plan
Infrastructure

Govt drops Cook Strait rescue vessel plan

A detailed business case raised costs from $80m to $259m in just four months.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
Clifford Bay: ‘Time to be bold’
Infrastructure OPINION

Clifford Bay: ‘Time to be bold’

Let us construct modern infrastructure and a new ferry terminal for a better future.

Stephen Grice 25 Nov 2025
Penk announces compulsory building warranties
Economy

Penk announces compulsory building warranties

Under the proposed change, those responsible pay their share only.

Staff reporters 24 Nov 2025