The oil spill is contained on Akaroa Harbour. Photo: Facebook/Environment CanterburyA Royal New Zealand Navy vessel has spilled hundreds of litres of oil into Akaroa Harbour on Saturday morning. About 200-300 litres of oil leaked from the HMNZS Te Kaha, due to a defect to an oil cooler on the ship's starboard engine, a defence force spokesperson said. Crew used absorbent pads to clean up surface oil and an inflatable boat to disperse the oil. The ship has been in Akaroa Harbour on a training exercise and remains anchored there on Sunday.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 08, 2026 04:34 UTC