Transport Accident Investigation Commission

06/06/2026

TAIC is calling for witnesses to the derailment of a passenger train on the Johnsonville Line North of Wellington today. It resulted in in significant damage to the train and injuries to people on board.

TAIC's investigation team have gone immediately to the site to commence gathering evidence.

We’re keen to hear as soon as possible from people who were on the train or who saw the accident occur. We’re especially interested in receiving photos or videos.

TAIC’s email address is info at taic.org.nz.

https://taic.org.nz/news/taic-investigating-derailment-passenger-train-johnsonville-line

info Appeal for witnesses Witnesses to the recent incident involving the TranzAlpine train service that was disabled in a tunnel are asked to provide a statement.    Read more Close

04/06/2026

New TAIC report: A freight train passed a stop signal in Auckland and stopped only about 250 metres behind a passenger train on the same track.

Read the report: https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/ro-2025-103

No one was injured and there was no damage, but it shows how quickly things can go wrong when several safety barriers fail at the same time.

TAIC found the risk was increased by a lack of trackside cues to support a safe approach to the signal, inconsistent use of risk-triggered commentary driving, limited route familiarity around Westfield, where multiple tracks, signals and train movements from two operators converge, and distraction.

30/05/2026

TAIC is keen to hear from passengers who were on the TranzAlpine train service from Christchurch to Greymouth on 30 May 2026.
https://taic.org.nz/news/taic-investigating-passenger-train-disabled-tunnel
The Commission is investigating the disablement of train in Tunnel 9, north of Springfield. The train stopped and remained in the tunnel for about an hour before exiting. Passengers are asked to contact TAIC to help investigators gather evidence.

28/05/2026

New TAIC report: Aratere grounded after an unintended turn towards the shoreline while on autopilot. The crew being unable to regain steering control.

Read more: www.taic.org.nz/inquiry/MO-2024-204.

Key factors were management of the project to upgrade the steering system, operational differences not fully identified, inadequate sea trials and training. Ineffective audit reduced management oversight of bridge practices that may have reduced error detection.

The key lessons are simple: understand the operational differences, train for them, and make sure critical procedures are actually being followed in practice.

Photo: Aratere grounded. Copyright: Renee Horncastle

25/05/2026

New inquiry.

The Commission is investigating a fatal accident involving the fishing vessel Lucy C that occurred off Peketa, Kaikoura at about 0700 on 25 May 2026. The reported circumstances were that the Lucy C was underway fishing craypots near shore with two people onboard, when the vessel capsized. One crew member swam to the nearby beach, with minor injuries. The skipper was later located at a nearby beach, deceased.

https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/mo-2026-203

20/05/2026

New TAIC report.

View the final report here: https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/ao-2025-003

A Bell Longranger helicopter overturned during take-off, injuring the pilot and two passengers. Key factor was dynamic rollover after the rear of a skid remained in contact with the ground as the helicopter moved sideways. Dynamic rollover is a well-known hazard in helicopter operations. No new safety issues, no new recommendations.

13/05/2026

New TAIC report. A runway overrun on take-off by a commercial passenger aircraft shows why communication under pressure matters.

Read full report here: https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/ao-2024-001

During take-off, one pilot tried to avoid birds while continuing the take-off. The other believed a rejected take-off was underway and responded immediately by reducing power and braking.

The report is about communication under pressure, and why standard procedures exist. Its lesson is simple and transferable: when intent is not clearly stated, even experienced crews can act at cross purposes.

That risk is not unique to aviation. In any system where people work with technology, a breakdown in communication can happen in a split second, especially in high-tempo situations.

07/05/2026

New TAIC report.

Read the full report here: https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/mo-2023-201

A single overdue component caused the Interislander ferry Kaitaki to lose all power and drift towards rocks off Wellington in 2023.

The investigation found the failure was preventable, and that planning and practice for a major maritime emergency fell short of requirements.

TAIC’s final report identifies six safety issues and makes five recommendations to strengthen maritime safety. The recommendations focus on practical change, including better maintenance of critical components, stronger emergency planning and exercising, and improved national capability to respond to serious maritime incidents.

Photographs from the report: Roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel, Kaitaki, (credit: KiwiRail Limited, top). Ruptured rubber expansion joint (bottom).

22/04/2026

New TAIC report.

Read the full report here: https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/ro-2025-102

Wagons not properly secured rolled down a gradient onto a locomotive. Moderate damage but no injuries. Findings include breakdowns in communication, training, and safety culture. Recommendations regarding shunt staff training, unsafe practices and under-reporting, and remote-control equipment.

17/04/2026

New inquiry.

The Commission is investigating a reported pair of derailments involving the same freight train on the Main South Line the night of 16 April 2026. Reportedly, the first occurred near Allanton and the second in the Dunedin rail yard. Both derailments reportedly involved the train’s rolling stock, which remained upright but sustained serious damage. There were no injuries to people.

https://taic.org.nz/inquiry/ro-2026-103