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)
Fullers and 360 TIMEOUT! The big summer season is nearly over and we are giving all Fullers and 360 staff the chance to win something that takes them away from the wharf and all things ferries for a day or so!
Two double passes to the … Waiheke Vintage Festival event packages: All staff will have received their copy of the Waiheke Vintage Festival programme and the answers can be found in the booklet! 1. Name one free event during the festival. 2. What is the Italian word for ‘…visiting a beautiful location and enjoying the fruits of that place?’ 3. What is the name of the 4th vineyard established on Waiheke Island? Both prizes include the ferry/bus pass which is valid for the duration of the 9-day event therefore winners may wish to gift the prize to friends or family.
Goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo… how about you? We have a family pass to give away for a day at the zoo…and you don’t need to answer any tricky questions, just send ‘Yes Please’ to competitions@fullers.co.nz Subject line: Zoo. Too easy!
Answers to competitions@fullers.co.nz Subject line: Festival
No need to take the bus… We’re giving away two 2-day Waiheke Rental car-hire vouchers up for grabs. competitions@fullers.co.nz Subject line: rental car
Spookers Scream Park Haunted Attraction: You could win one of two Spookers vouchers to scare yourself silly. Simply tell us what scares you most in one word. Answers to competitions@fullers.co.nz Subject line Spookers.
Well done and thanks from Westpac The following team members have been recognised for their great efforts by being selected to share in a Helicopter ride, courtesy of WestPac Rescue. The organisers of their fundraiser event, the annual Auction at Man-o-War Bay with participants transported courtesy of a Fullers cruise. Alice Kuar – Pier 1 Senior; Caitlin Barrett – Human Resources Advisor: Kylie Toon – Service Supervisor; David Beeching Maintenance
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Win double movie tickets by sending your caption of this photo to SNAP CHAT newsletters@fullers.co.nz
Commendations
Customers take the time to thank us…
Earlier in March…from James Bailey: I want to say a really big thank you to all crew who worked at times recently when the sea conditions and the weather caused discomfort and illness among passengers. We have received written and verbal commendations thanking the crews. Overall, our people have done a fabulous job to reassure passengers and administer to those suffering seasickness in a professional and caring manner. Gillian was on one of our charters to Great Barrier. She said that it was a very rough trip and people were being sick everywhere. Chloe Cheval was AMAZING. She stood out, was calm and controlled and very caring. She was responding to everyone’s needs. Gillian says that she speaks on behalf of many other passengers who were on the trip. …I had the pleasure of traveling to Tiritiri Matangi today with our school. I just want to say I was blown away by the kindness and amazingness of the staff today on the boat. They truly went above and beyond the call of duty. As you can imagine it was a bit rough, and some kids were either very green or very sick, this wasn't a problem for your staff.
Jo Larkin (new Waiheke resident) sent praise to the crew of the 8pm Fullers ferry to Half Moon Bay two weeks ago. “After a late volleyball game, my son mistakenly hopped on the 8pm sailing to Half Moon Bay thinking he was just early for the 8.45pm. He quickly realised his mistake and phoned me, then talked to one of the crew and they went out of their way to make sure that he was let off at Devonport to catch a boat back to Auckland, and still make the 8.45 to Waiheke. As there were no more boats back from Half Moon Bay it made a huge difference to the stress that he and I were experiencing. Many thanks to all the wonderful crew who turned his nightmare into an adventure and helped his mother with her grey hair quota. This kind of service should be recognised and rewarded.” Hi there just want to let you know you have some of the best bus drivers in NZ. What fantastic characters we came across and I am sad I didn’t catch their names to tell you them. On Saturday we had an all-day bus pass and both our drivers were funny, genuine, caring men. Well done on employing great staff.” On March 13 Peter wrote: I would like to thank Megan Price and Barbara Lagi for their efficient handling of my booking on the Waiheke Wine Tour. I was given the tour as a birthday present and the weekend I was due to go the weather wasn’t looking conducive to a comfortable ferry ride and the tour so they efficiently and without fuss re-booked the tour for me. It is a pleasure to still find this sort of Customer focused service, something rapidly being forgotten in the quest to make a profit. Well done girls. And during Luisi… Many thanks to Fullers staff and crew who allowed me to sleep in their staff room on Saturday night 15th March due to having to cancel the late night sailings to Waiheke Island. Top marks to Fullers, Auckland staff and crew for your courtesy and kindness - Brently Ford
Thanks Andy, Corey, Troy and Courtney (who a child threw up over!)
She’s a bright young thing!
The ink is dry on the contract and our nearly-new ferry is all set to make the journey across the Tasman fresh from Sydney harbour. The ‘Fantasea Sunrise’ (yes, she will answer to a new name when she arrives in Auckland!) is a 24metre, 3-year old vessel accommodating 180 passengers with 119 in the main deck and 38 lounge seats in the upper cabin. Please don’t hesitate with suggestion for naming this new vessel – any bright ideas to marketing@fullers.co.nz
N 2014 IN /// AUTUM THE CAPTA
CAPTAIN 48-page Fullers/360 Discovery Magazine
NAVY
The first of the magazine has been delivered and is being distributed regularly on board the vessels and ticket offices. This is a very readable mag with the purpose of sharing some of the stories about the people, destinations and events around the communities that we serve. It’s a level of engagement that is removed from the hard-sell of a brochure, and serves to establish our strong relationship with the Hauraki Gulf and the combined destinations of Fullers and 360 Discovery. Communication is all about taking people with you, so please keep the mags stocked up from the supply in the staff area. We’d love you to share your own stories and observations for content in future issues - send contributions to newsletters@fullers.co.nz PAGE 1
(continued from front page) The Adventurer was also tasked with transferring passengers between the naval ships for additional activities and meals. These guests included RADM Jack Steer, Chief of Navy and foreign navy senior officers here to observe the exercise. On the first day the weather was not ideal, however the charter and exercise continued as planned, conducting transfers between Adventurer, Canterbury and Manawanui and viewing demolitions demonstrations taking place ashore at Whangaparoa. The weather improved on Day 2 and included a transfer to the Republic of Korean ship the Wonsan, and we all enjoyed their lunchtime entertainment. Concluding with a ‘fleet review’ with the four naval ships in a row, sailors lined along the decks and steamed past the Adventurer, moving in the opposite direction. This allowed each ship and her crew to give a mark of respect to the Chief of Navy who was on board Adventurer. An excellent charter thanks to Elaine from Charters, Sean our Marine Manager and the great work from the crew of Adventurer, Daniel Jacka, Lauren Dinnage and Wileon Smuts. Good work team. – Tony Galloway
“CHALLENGING BUT REWARDING!”
Taking part in this year’s Dual are Kelly and partner Tim and Kendal (on right)
We’re expecting big numbers visiting the The Royal NZ Navy Open Day on Saturday 29 March from 10am- 4pm
Farewell to Lauren Dinnage, who left us earlier this month for her big adventure overseas, working on board luxury yachts while she sees the world. Hope to see you back one day Lauren!
Received by Kendal at reception from Liam in Dunedin.