Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Rarotonga turns back due to fault

An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Rarotonga had to turn around due to a technical fault.

Air New Zealand head of flight operations captain Hugh Pearce said flight NZ946 turned back due to an engineering issue onboard the aircraft.

"The issue posed no safety concern but the decision was made to return to Auckland where we have the engineering capability to rectify it."

A recovery flight has been scheduled which will depart at 2.30pm today, he said.