Source: Maritime New Zealand
Maritime NZ has filed one charge against KiwiRail this week in relation to the January 2023 loss of propulsion incident involving the Interislander ferry, Kaitaki .
The Kaitaki lost power on its approach into Wellington Harbour on 28 January last year, with more than 800 passengers and 80 crew on-board. It then issued a mayday. After regaining limited power, the ferry made its way to port where its passengers were able to safely leave it and come ashore.
Maritime NZ, the maritime and designated health and safety regulator for such incidents, subsequently investigated the loss of power incident. This week one charge was filed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 in relation to the incident by Maritime NZ, against the operator, KiwiRail.
“The investigation took 12 months; it involved reviewing the operator’s organisational information relevant to processes and procedures connected to safety and maintenance management, undertaking interviews and examining the Kaitaki after the incident occurred,” Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says.
“Material was then comprehensively reviewed before the decision was made to prosecute,” she says.
As this matter is now before the courts, Maritime NZ cannot make any further comments about the ongoing proceedings.
The charge was filed under sections 38 and 48 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
The maximum penalty is a fine of up to $1.5 million, under S 48 of the Health and Safety Act.
