Calls to bring the Fullers ferry service to Waiheke back under Auckland Council’s control

This follows outrage about the company’s poor performance.

More than 300 residents of Waiheke Island in Auckland Hauraki Gulf jammed into a local hall today to voice their frustration with ferry service Fullers.

The company have the monopoly on passenger ferry services to Auckland.

Since April, services have been cut for winter.

Locals say it’s coincided with ferry cancellations and long queues resulting in angry exchanges at the wharves.

Fullers admits it cancelled 18 sailings last month, almost four times the number cancelled at the same time last year.

Fullers says four of those cancellations were due to staff sickness.

Fullers boss Mike Horne has apologised for the cancellations.

“I’m deeply concerned and regretful. We haven’t met your expectations over the past month.”

Auckland Transport is asking the Transport Minister Phil Twyford to end that exemption.

Mr Twyford says he is seeking advice on consulting affected parties and how any potential changes could be made.

Fullers says its open to discussions.

A review of the public transport tendering process is underway. 

SHARE ME

More Stories