A Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400, tail number 9V-SMT, was departing from Auckland International Airport, New Zealand when the aircraft suffered a tail strike. The flight was destined to Singapore. The aircraft circled for 20 minutes then landed safely back at Acukland. No injuries to passengers were reported and the damage to the aircraft was to the rear fuselage belly skins and the APU. The Transport Accident Investigation Commision is investigating.