Media release, first published 6 June 2025Substandard ships should be banned from New Zealand, under appropriate criteria, says the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) in its final report into the container ship Shiling, which twice had to be rescued and towed back to port in 2023.TAIC’s Chief Investigator of Accidents, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, says substandard ships represent a real risk to their crew members, to New Zealanders – including coastal and harbour pilots, stevedores, and other contractors – and to New Zealand’s coastal environment.
The lesson for all high-risk work sites: don’t rely on procedures alone; physical protections are essential. TAIC recommends that KiwiRail: Improve authorisation for rail movements; Require physical protections for removed track; and ensure staffing levels and support for critical roles.
Grounding near Auckland: why the basics always matter. This is a real-world case study and useful training material for what can go wrong when safety critical staff overlook the basics.
A drone likely came close to an passenger jet on approach to a major NZ airport, the drone being in breach of NZ civil aviation rules. TAIC recommends drone registration, remote ID, and geo-fencing, calls on Ministry of Transport and CAA to modernise drone regulations in line with international best practice.
Heavy rain contributed to late transition from autopilot to manual control. Lessons for all aircraft operators: ensure crews know and understand the operator’s and aircraft manuals and procedures and are thoroughly briefed. Operator Air New Zealand has amended operational procedures and information and provided pilot training. No new safety recommendations.
TAIC reinforces importance of effective supervision of trainees undertaking safety-critical tasks and robust engineering risk controls for complex systems. Lessons for all industries where the supervision of safety-critical tasks performed by inexperienced or unqualified staff is necessary to maintain safety.
Two aircraft came within 20 feet on final approach at night at Ardmore Airport. Safety lessons for pilots, aircraft owners, engineers, and operators of busy unattended aerodromes. Communication, visibility, access to shared procedures make the difference. Recommendations to improve night flying safety across New Zealand.
The Commission is investigating a collision between a northbound freight train and a heavy road vehicle at the Elizabeth Street level crossing in Waikanae at 0620 on 15 October 2025.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of a rail accident on board the Interislander ferry Aratere while it was berthed at Wellington Port at approximately 11pm on Friday 9 April 2021.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is appealing for witnesses who saw, photographed or videoed the two vessels that collided in the Bay of Islands on Thursday 13 April 2023.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into a helicopter crash at Lake Wanaka in Otago today, Saturday 21 July 2018.
Commercial hot air balloon pilots should have to wear harnesses during safety-critical phases of flight, says the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) in a preliminary report issued today.