APRIL 2014
STAFF NEWS Hi everyone, Aucklander’s are really good at making the most of fine weather and this summer has been no exception. Even a threat of rain or a summer shower doesn’t deter many of us getting out and about. A British couple recently visited Waiheke, travelling over on the big catamaran in what they described in their blog as ‘sunshiney-rain’! The one weather event that did keep many people indoors was the threat of cyclone Luisi. Our Operations team provided regular updates to the travelling public and sound decisions were made based on sea conditions and passenger safety and comfort. Thank you to all. The new vessel build is underway in Whanganui and you will have seen a sneak-peek of the photos in the Captains magazine. The boat is on schedule for delivery for July. We also have a new 24m high-speed catamaran, built in 2011, soon to arrive from Sydney to offset the cost of hiring in the Dolphin Explorer to cover for vessels on survey, breakdowns and the extensive refurbishment programme underway. This has been another big summer with a busy cruise ship schedule and many events drawing large crowds. We still have two more Fullers sponsored festivals coming up, both on Waiheke Island. The Jazz Festival format is locked-in, with Fullers Jazz About buses and boat packages again, a new line-up of artists each year completes this successful formula. The new
and experimental event that has kept several teams busy in the last couple of months is the Waiheke Vintage Festival with 17 venues hosting over 50 events. Waiheke Bus co will play a major role in the transporting of visitors during the nine days of the grape harvest period on the island. It was great to see our staff participating in this weekend’s Dual on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands, many discovering the challenges of the unique terrain that covers this volcanic island! Myself, Nick Fryer and Mark Walker rode the course and others chose to run or walk on what turned out to be a stunning day. Well done to all who competed and a huge thank you to Megan Price for overseeing the event preparation and the smooth running of operational logistics throughout the day. Talking all things fitness (and possibly training for next year’s event?), we officially no longer have lift access to Level 3 for at least the next three months! Until next time,
Doug
Nearly 20 years ago a ‘challenging team building’ event was a draw card for Fullers staff: The Barrier Assault began with a boat trip over to Great Barrier with day one spent kayaking. ‘Personal development and mental stimulation’ took place that evening, and in the morning, a 7-hour walk up to Mt Hobson followed by a soak in the hot pools. On day three all took part in a mountain-bike ride from Fitzroy to Tryphena, dinner and then the ferry home. Created as a way of ‘stepping out of your comfort zone, for people from different departments, the Fullers 1997 team of 14 competitors included Managing Director Douglas Hudson and two current employees: Marine manager Sean Patterson and Nooroa Te Hira of WBC. Seen here: Douglas, taking a break after riding (and towing someone else’s bike) from Fitzroy to Tryphena.
On the 5th and 6th of March Adventurer was chartered by the Royal New Zealand Navy to act as an observation vessel to view the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, Mine Counter Measures Exercise 2014. This exercise involved about 650 military personnel from 14 nations from the 17 of February until the 7th of March. Several foreign military ships were also involved with the exercise which Adventurer observed joining the RNZN ships Canterbury and Manawanui in the exercise area around the Whangaparoa Peninsula. (see back page for more)