Shotover Jet “Delighted” By Council Decision

16 March 2001

The Managing Director of Shotover Jet Limited, Jim Boult, said today he was “ absolutely delighted” by the decision of the Queenstown Lakes District Council to grant the company a new exclusive 25 year concession on the Shotover River.

Mr Boult said with the company’s existing concession - which expires in 2004 - and the new concession, Shotover Jet had, in total, business certainty for at least the next 28 years.

He said this provided Shotover Jet with a solid foundation on which to plan its future, which was good - not only for the company - but for the greater Queenstown district and New Zealand tourism as a whole.

“Shotover Jet has invested considerable time, effort and expense in preparation for this day and I am naturally extremely pleased with the outcome,” Mr Boult said.

“I also appreciate the very thorough assessment of our application undertaken by the Council and, in particular, I want to thank the Council Committee who considered the matter for the very professional way in which they arrived at their decision.

“I think everybody recognises the contribution that Shotover Jet has made to the local and national tourism business over the past 30 years and our aim now is to build on that over the next 30.”

Mr Boult said he recognised that safety had been a prime focus in the concession process and was gratified that the Council recognised the efforts the company had made in this area.

“We are currently testing the prototype of our new generation boat and I am confident it will prove to be the basis for the safest and most comfortable craft of its type,” Mr Boult said.

“The business certainty that comes with the concession decision will make it easier for us to make the substantial investment needed to re-equip our entire fleet with the new craft to the benefit of passengers and crew alike.”

Mr Boult, who recently announced he was to leave the company after 15 years as Managing Director, said he was pleased to be able to do so on such a high note.

“I am particularly gratified by the Council’s comment that Shotover Jet is ‘the front-runner of all commercial jet boat operations in New Zealand’ and I have every confidence that it will continue to be so for a long time to come.” Mr Boult said.

ENDS

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