An Auckland ferry company has been fined $40,000 and ordered to pay a further $90,000 in reparations after passengers were injured when a ferry collided with a wharf.
A file photo shows the ferry that crashed into the wharf in Devonport. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The ferry was travelling at about seven knots when it collided with Victoria Wharf at Devonport in February 2015.
Maritime New Zealand said Fullers had faults with a newly-installed control system but continued to use it, and in this case the master lost control.
The bench seating on the main deck was not secured and toppled onto some passengers, injuring 19 people.
Injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to a serious concussion.
Fullers pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court today to not taking all practical steps to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers.
It said it deeply regretted the crash.
The company's chief executive, Douglas Hudson, said the safety systems were not as good as they should have been and considerable improvements have since been made.
