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As accidents / incidents occur within the transport sector in New Zealand, TAIC endeavours to keep the regulators, operators and general public informed. This is achieved by many different methods, including but not limited to: radio, news releases, media conferences, social media updates and publication here. If you want to be kept abreast of the latest news etc, click the link at the bottom of the page.

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Track worker locations and approaching train

On 8 May 2025, a Northbound passenger train approached a worksite near Plimmerton at 62 km/h. The trainee locomotive engineer saw two workers were on the track ahead, applied the emergency brake and stopped about 5 metres from where the workers had been. Nobody was hurt.

Figure 11 from the report. Diagram of collision sequence

Two track workers in hi-rail vehicles narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a freight train upon exiting the Kaimai Tunnel, where they had been working without protection. A series of miscommunications meant they believed protection was in place, and train control did not know they were on the track in the tunnel. The Commission has made recommendations for KiwiRail to clarify ambiguous procedures, improve radio coverage in and around the tunnel and improve safety-critical communication.

Black Cat (Credit: Black Cat Cruises)

The Commission has released an Interim Report as part of its ongoing investigation into the grounding of a commercial passenger vessel in Akaroa Harbour on 31 January 2026. The Interim Report presents facts that have been established so far. On completion of its inquiry, the Commission’s final report will present analysis, discuss safety issues and (if any) make recommendations for the sector to avoid similar accidents in the future.

Figure 6 from the report: Wellington Station signalling schematic

Two signal system outages at Wellington stopped trains and disrupted commuter services. The same battery charger and power supply module failed on both occasions. Its power supply capacity undersized, design and project management standards not fully applied, alarm system did not draw attention to the fault.