The Aratere ferry, which connects the North and South Islands of New Zealand, has suffered minor damage and is set to resume service later today. The ferry, which was being serviced at the Wellington harbor, received damage to its hull during a sudden gust of wind. According to KiwiRail, the ferry collided with a connecting bridge, causing minor damage to both the vessel and the bridge. Despite the setback, the repair work has been completed overnight, allowing the ferry to return to service. Although the damage is not severe, it is a timely reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The incident has raised concerns about the condition of the ferry, which has been criticized for its age and reliability. The ferry was built in the 1990s and has experienced a number of mechanical issues in recent years, leading to calls for its replacement. Despite this, an assessment has shown that the ferry can still operate safely for around five years before needing to be replaced.