JULY 2013
STAFF NEWS Hello, Goodbye. ‘Hello’ firstly to those staff who have recently joined Fullers - let me introduce myself - I’m the quiet one in head office, seen only occasionally. So its a sad ‘goodbye’ to the many of you that I do know as I retire from Fullers in in four weeks’ time on the 30th August having reached that stage in life. For the record, I have been with Fullers (initially Gulf Ferries which became Fullers) for over 23 years. Looking back on it I can say that it has been my privilege to work with such a dedicated and talented group and in my view you are the best there is. That 23 years covered a period of big change for Fullers growing in numerous and diverse ways into the organisation we have today. Along the way we bought 17 boats and sold 12 , started 3 new ferry servicers ourselves and acquired five from others, sold properties and bus companies; the list goes on. I still remember my first day at Fullers – Doug Hudson showed me around and introduced me to the team of the day, including: Lester Sowerby, Andy Patterson, Grant Watkin, Dave Hutson and Brian Grove. These are the five staff, plus Doug, that are all still with Fullers today. Doug’s father, George, employed me and I certainly hit the ground running from day one! We were in the early stages of a restructure of the company, its systems and its fleet. It is fair to say that the shareholders in those days, took commercial risks that were quite breath-taking in their daring! But we did it, and we did it as a team and at times in the face of competition on the water.
I’m the quiet one in Head Office
We have what we have today because of what we did back then. But looking forward we know that the process of change will repeat itself, it is only the challenges that will be different; which is where you good people come in. There is no question in my mind that this is a very complex and demanding business to be in. At the same time it is addictive and rewarding for those that have invested their time and passion over the years to create the modern Fullers. I will leave happy to have worked with you and those that have gone before you, all of us part of the wider Fullers family. Take care and thank you, best wishes to you all for your futures.
Mike
We have double passes to give away to staff - see overleaf for details
It seems Waiheke Bus Co doesn’t discriminate against passengers including ” Martys Chicken Man”. The problem is the chickens are notorious for not having the right bus fare. One drumstick per stage sounds fair?