KiwiRail investigates steering issues on Interislander ferry Kaiārahi

Saturday 13 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated Sat 13 Dec 2025, 1:40pm

In this story KiwiRail, Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Interislander ferry Kaiārahi experienced steering problems during a Cook Strait voyage to Picton on Friday. The vessel returned to Wellington as a precaution, leaving passengers on board for over six hours. KiwiRail is investigating the technical failure, and the ferry is expected to return to service today.

How they headlined it

3h

8:27am9:41am10:34am1:40pm

1. 1News via RNZSat 13 Dec 2025, 8:27am

   KiwiRail 'confident' Interislander ferry steering problem resolved (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesSat 13 Dec 2025, 9:41am

   Another ferry fail shows tug needed: union (opens in new tab)

   • KiwiRail to investigate latest ferry fail (opens in new tab) Sat 13 Dec 2025, 9:41am
3. NZ HeraldSat 13 Dec 2025, 10:34am

   Interislander ferry Kaiarahi to return to service after technical issues (opens in new tab)

4. RNZSat 13 Dec 2025, 1:40pm

   Interislander ferry failure shows emergency tug needed - Maritime Union (opens in new tab)