Interislander Ferry Kaitaki Returns from Dry‑Dock, No Crisis

Rail Minister Winston Peters announced that the Interislander ferry Kaitaki will resume sailings on 26 September after completing scheduled dry‑dock work on 21 September. The maintenance included repairs to propeller and rudder components, steering and stabiliser systems, a full hull clean, blasting, repainting, and application of a silicone‑based coating to reduce marine growth and improve fuel efficiency. Peters said the service remained uninterrupted, with freight and passengers continuing to move across the Cook Strait. Interislander’s reliability has risen to 100% this year, up from 99% last year, a sharp improvement from the 82% and 84% recorded in 2021 and 2022.