NOV / DEC
2013
STAFF NEWS Hi Team NOW THAT WAIHEKE is the “go to” destination on the international stage, we have to ensure that we move with the times and meet service and tourist expectations. We will take great pleasure in showcasing our beautiful island in the sun. We are excited to share with you all that the bus company is undertaking a vehicle renewal programme which will see the replacement of some of our aging fleet with new modern buses. In addition to this the Auckland Transport HOP will be coming to Waiheke in early March 2014 and this will help streamline our operation. As we speak, the Depot is being inundated with electrical engineers and technicians who are installing the Depot equipment and pre-wiring buses. Fullers Management is delighted to announce Neil’s acceptance of the role of Manager of WBC, moving from his previous role of Acting Manager. He has lived on the island for 30 years and worked as a WBC bus driver and then Duty Manager. Prior to this he ran his own tour bus company on the island. Neil is pleased to be part of a great hard-working team and looks forward to a busy and productive 2014.
Bus driving on Waiheke has its share of trials and tribulations. Our drivers are event organisers, information centres, advice bureau and counselors to everyone that gets on their bus! As you will have seen from previous Radars we also get chickens trying to go for a ride! We have to refuse them as they never have any money... or eggs! Some of the frequently asked questions: “What time does the four o’clock bus go?” “Does this bus go to Auckland?” When asked where would you like to go? The passenger replies “Waiheke” or “wherever you go” or “beach”. What beach? “Big beach” On a final note, I’d like to say it’s an honour and a privilege to be part of this dynamic team we have on Waiheke. Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and safe New Year.
Neil Clooney Manager - Waiheke Bus Company
A NEW CAMPAIGN begins shortly on Waiheke to encourage visitors to ‘Bus it, Bike it Walk it’ message for holiday makers: ‘Locals will love you more, when you leave your car at home’.
Souter Dinner - Long Service Awards
The Annual visit from owner Brian Souter coincided with the presentation of Fullers Long Service Awards. Check out the full album of photos on the Fullers e-drive, saved under ‘company photos’. Managers, for those staff without computer access please make this available for staff to download their own images.
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The boys in the Fr ight Shed! The team, led by skater-boy Chris Stewart*, are just too frightfully busy processing and stowing freight at the moment to even talk to us about what it is they do. But we can tell you with certainty they provide a vital service to Waiheke Island, including medical supplies and daily newspapers, fresh food for restaurants and all manner of supplies for its residents. They’re a great team, always on the move and having fun while they work! *Chris has been a skateboarder for many years and was surprised recently to see, joining the regular skaters at Victoria Park a few weeks back, Justin Bieber and his skate coach…apparently the coach along with is chilly bin of cold towels, was a hot skater…Bieber - just average. From left: Terry, Chris, Zsolt, Lew and Ben. Insert: Prince , Daniel.
a Bungy Jump or Bridge Climb from AJ Hackett. Plus 5 double passes to Hoyts movies to win!
Jumping and Climbing! AJ Hackett will launch two lucky winners off the Auckland Harbour Bridge and one winner will get to do a Bridge Climb for a birds-eye view of the city and harbour. Simply send us your name with either Bungy or Bridge Climb in the subject line to competitions@fullers.co.nz
...BBQ Presentation And the Awards kept coming‌.those unable to attend the event were recognised at a special staff BBQ at the end of Pier One and over at the Waiheke Bus Company.
Win one of five double movie passes to any Hoyts Cinema Tell us which movie currently or coming to a Hoyts Cinema you’d love to see!
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Send entries to competitions@fullers.co.nz Winners notified 24 December 2013.
Westpac Helicopter Winners
Up, up and away!! Winners of our Westpac Rescue Helicopter competition back in August are seen here before boarding their flight. An awesome time had by all! From left: Valerie Boylan, Paul Brunton, Peter Snowden, Christine Tofilau, Shaun Holmes and Shaun Oliver. Foreground: Jeremy Lambert.
Commendations and Observations Maintenance Update The entire Maintenance team deserve a public thanks for very good work on Quickcat, Tiri Kat and Adventurer. The guys in the workshop have worked thoroughly and have rebuilt Quickcat’s old engine. Tiri Kats’ major engine work was well planned and executed and Adventurers’ repair progressed ahead of schedule. The Operations Crew have saluted the Maintenance Team for managing to keep the boats going as best they can under trying conditions. Riki Henare has recently joined the Maintenance team as an electrician on temporary contract to assist Jeremy with his ever increasing work load.
The annual Vero charter took place last week and according to ringmaster Jo Ward, it was a biggie! Despite two visiting cruise ships, large numbers heading off to Waiheke, all the usual commuter runs, a couple of vessels in the sick bay, the day went pretty smoothly thanks to supreme efforts as everyone ‘mucked-in’. Both Elaine Kellett and Mere Mani led the way with organisational skills and problem solving plus staying power throughout the entire cruise. The IT boys Alston D’Silva and Kefu Liu quietly worked away on board to ensure everything electronic and transactional went to plan. On board everything ran like clockwork with thanks largely to DD and his team. Out on the wharf, vessels and crews worked tirelessly to get everyone home and with particular emphasis on Waiheke Island commuters and party goers. Well done all involved including ticketing office staff.
Over 20 years ago Ward Climo joined the WBC and in later years moved into the Matiaita Wharf operation. This will be his last Christmas onboard as he retires and it seems not only staff will miss him but a great many regulars are going to miss his cheeky ways! Have a happy and active retirement Wardie. Duty Managers would like to say a big thank you to all boat crew in what has sometimes been quite challenging times for the operations department. Now that we’re heading into our crazy season it’s going to be ‘all hands on deck’ to get us through summer – but remember to have some fun while you’re doing it! A special mention in despatches from several areas of the company is senior salesperson Alice Kuar from Pier 1 Ticket office, for continuous hard work and always going the extra mile!
From left: Tim Lamb, Dianne Starr, Jen Verdu, Dylan Weaver & Service Supervisor, Julia Bache.
From the organisers of the Waiheke Walking Festival: A short note to thank the team at Fullers for all the support given for the Festival. It was very much appreciated by all concerned and Denise found Kelly Osborne a delight to work with.
STAFF PROFILE:
Christina Chelemen BAcc
Happy Christmas
Management Accountant Christina comes from Romania and more precisely the medieval town of Transylvania! Unlike the Hollywood mythical versions its real and its name means ‘land beyond the forest’.
Hampers are here! If you haven’t collected your hamper please do so from Level 3 Ferry Building before Wednesday 17th
And unlike Count Dracula, Accountant Christina couldn’t be more charming! Happily commuting from home on the 360 Gulf Harbour ferry, Christina and husband Claudiu have made New Zealand their home for the past 10 years along with 18 year old son Christian. Christina celebrates with god-daughter Adranda’s second placing in the NZ Artistic Rollerskating Champs with a cruise to see the Tall Ships leave.
On days off Christina loves to entertain family and friends and exploring other parts of the country indulging in her passion for photography.