‘‘Congratulations Fullers on choosing a New Zealand firm to build your new ferry.” You run an extremely good service with polite and efficient crews. We should know - we live on Waiheke Island. - Cheers Rick and Margaret Owen. WHAT: Fullers new passenger ferry for the Hauraki Gulf WHO: Designed by InCat Crowther of Australia. Being built by Q-West Boat Builders Ltd NZ. WHERE: Form cutting in New Plymouth, build in Whanganui. WHEN: Delivery expected July 2014. WHY: Mainly to replace the Jet Raider on the Waiheke service.
More info: The vessel’s 338 passengers will be accommodated over two levels with seating for 212 passengers in its main cabin. Large doors will facilitate fast boarding and exiting. Passenger boarding is further enhanced by large side gates on both deck levels, as well as articulated ramps mounted on the transom port and starboard. These ramps are designed to integrate with the existing shore-based infrastructure, and offer a fast turnaround time.
nel Centre tun
The foredeck will be configured to carry palletised cargo, with a Palfinger deck crane. Environmental factors have been addressed with dry exhaust systems fitted to the vessel and the engine room air outlets allowing the exit of fumes high above the upper deck. Like the Starflyte vessel both ferries will operate with low-wash capability.
Frames
Wing deck
Ode to ETNZ What can we say that hasn’t been said? We’ve shared our despair inside the Shed We’ve dressed in black and leaned with Dean We’ve marvelled at Grant and the rest of the team. On the water we fought hard and were foiled And were left to endure Dobbin re-Loyaled. In the end we rolled up the flags and red socks And we put the dissenters back in their box So Oracle, keep your cup of Spithall sweat Our boys gave us memories we’ll never forget!
Engine bed
Smell the sea and feel the sky... THE TALL SHIPS ARE COMING! let your soul and spirit fly! EIGHT OF THE TALL SHIPS currently taking part in the Sydney 175 years celebrations, will make their way to Opua, Northland, to undergo customs inspections before arriving in Auckland on Friday 25 October. Berths have been allocated on Queens, Princes and …. wharves. For the next two days, stores will be replenished, crew will host free onboard guided tours, sailing charters will take place around the harbour and a final parade and ceremony will happen on the Monday of Labour weekend. At 1pm on Monday 28th the ships will leave the wharf area and assemble inline with Orakei wharf where cannon-fire will signal their departure. This will be a ‘race’ officially but don’t expect the speeds of recent challenges! The Maritime Museum is hosting the event and Fullers have been granted official start-line status so if you’re heading out there’ll be lots of crew in action amongst the creaking masts and great photo opportunities.
If the public cruise looks likely to sell out, a bigger vessel may be brought on to replace the Adventurer and there is the real possibility of staff FOC tickets. So hedge your bets and enter our competition on page 1 to ensure your place!
THE DAY THE NAVY CAME TO TOWN Many staff took advantage of the unofficial offer by the crew of the frigate HMAS Perth to look around the ship as it took time out for a goodwill visit prior to departing for Sydney to take part in the International Fleet Review this week. Comments from Fullers staff ranged from Wow, makes me want to join the Navy...until I saw how tiny their sleeping quarters were...and it looks just like in the movie ‘The Battleship’!
The Fleet Review includes the New Zealand frigate Te Mana – taking part in the international training exercise. As well as a magnificent fleet of 15 Tall Ships in Sydney at the moment, an additional 5,000 naval personnel from Asia Pacific are practicing the ‘business of war’
PROFILE: Tomo Pier 1 Customer Service star Tomokazu Minamino, or Tomo as he is known, was born in Osaka Japan. In 2005 he moved to Cambridge NZ and to Auckland in 2009 .
A vivid memory while growing up: In year 13 at St Peter’s College in Cambridge I performed in the front line of a school Haka before the Japanese national Football team. It was great experience and challenge for me to do that against my home country. One of many lifetime experiences!
Best advice that I have received: Nothing is impossible and just take it easy, enjoy the kiwiana culture and be who you are!
The most frequent question from customers: It has to be ‘what time’s the next ferry to …..even when they are holding a timetable!
Catching up with my mates, swimming, and I try to play touch on Sundays if it’s my weekend off (been lazy about this for last 2 years)
My secret skill is: Sushi Making, Kiwi and Japanese cultures, Swimming, leaning back and getting along with anyone...
Looking sparkling, the Discovery 1 is now back in business after a major spruce-up in Warkworth.
Commendations and Observations “My group had a wonderful day out yesterday and our bus driver Brian Wakefield was wonderful. He had a great knowledge of the Island’s history - we love him. Thank you for your help Mere, we may well do the trip again next year.” Shirley. And more for Mere Mani from Denise McLean: “Thank you so much for all your help with Jordyn’s 21st on Saturday night. Both bus drivers were wonderful although poor Glen Fowler had a much noisier trip back than Mike Glynn had going out to Poderi Crisco! You were lovely to deal with and our evening went off without a hitch.”
A big thank you to Sean Patterson for using his spatial design and DIY skills in the re-configuring of the Operations area to accommodate General Manager Tim. Staff were unanimous in their praise and say he’s a very real contender for the next series of the Block!
The Marketing department (mainly Kelly) would like to thank Kefu Liu for his time and patience over the last few months as he helped sort out the on-board media player software. Very much appreciated!’ Duty manager DJ would like to acknowledge the outstanding team support and customer service from Tomo Minamino in Pier 1, on a Saturday when high winds prevented the Devonport sailings from operating. Ticketing manager Ange agrees: “Tomo is brilliant at taking control of challenging situations and dealing with any issues he is faced with.” Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Guiding Manager, MaryAnn Rowland and Liz Maire of DoC were both grateful and delighted with the excellent day provided by 360 Discovery for the Supporters guides on Tiritiri on Sunday. “It’s a very good example of a commercial company like 360 partnering with a community group where both parties gain and much good will is created… Thanks to Todd Bennett and his crew and all at 360 for going the extra “nautical” mile!
To customer service member Judy Barrington, “We had a great day last Saturday when we went on our Tiri Tiri Matangi trip. Everyone was happy and would be considering to return again sometime. On behalf of the JWalkers (Jesus Walkers), we would like to thank you for all of your kind support and cooperation to us. God bless you,” Abel Lopez.
Company Dinner reminder:
Hmmm, a Minion in a lifesaver? Seen here Tony Galloway having a conversation with the IT team after the America’s cup race.
Tuesday 29th October, 7.30pm at Ellerslie Event Centre, Ascot Ave. TRAVEL: Free parking is available at the venue. Buses to and from the venue will depart Downtown Auckland at 7:00pm (meets 6:15pm departure from Matiatia). Please remember to RSVP to your manager by 18 October.