By Simon Hradecky, created Wednesday, Dec 2nd 2020 11:25Z, last updated Wednesday, Dec 2nd 2020 11:25Z

An ANZ Air New Zealand Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration ZK-MVE performing flight N%Z-5813 from Hamilton to Wellington (New Zealand), was climbing out of Hamilton's runway 18L when the crew stopped the climb at FL160 and decided to return to Hamilton reporting smoke on the flight deck. The aircraft landed safely back on Hamilton's runway 36R about 30 minutes after departure.

Emergency services reported they were called in for a report of smoke in the cockpit.

The airline reported the crew returned to Hamilton due to an indication of an electrical fault. The passengers were disembarked through the main door immediately after the aircraft was on the ground. The passengers were rebooked onto other flights.