Media Release February 2, 2010

for Mohini Family says thanks on behalf of Mohini Family; and appeal launched

Auckland Co-op Taxis is thanking its many customers and business partners for their expressions of sympathy and support for the family of Hiren Mohini following his tragic death.

Auckland Co-op Taxis General Manager Barrie White says that on behalf of Mr Mohini’s family, the Company would like to thank the many people who have left messages of support.

“Our focus at this time is on ensuring that Mr Mohini’s family has all the support it needs, and we are passing on the many messages we are receiving.

“We are gratified and humbled by this support, and particularly the response to the appeal fund that has been set up for the family, which has been launched nationwide by the NZ Taxi Federation.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the Mohini family, and we want to ensure that the burden they bear can be reduced as much as possible into the future. (Details for donations to this Trust Fund are on the Auckland Co-op Taxis website http://www.cooptaxi.co.nz/)

“As a company we also want to express our gratitude to those residents of View Road, who rendered immediate assistance to Mr Mohini, and their efforts to sustain his life, as well as others that have helped the Police with their enquiries and investigation.”

The funeral for Mr Mohini will be held on at Waikumete Cemetery (also known as Waitamata Cemetery), Great North Rd, Kelston, Chapel 1, Thursday at 1pm. Respect and tributes can be paid at Davis Funeral Services, 400 Dominion Rd, between, between 9am and 3pm, tomorrow, February 3.

Company and Industry Safety

Barrie White said Auckland Co-op Taxis would continue to press the Government for a clear response to issues of driver safety.

“We will allow the Government a reasonable grace period to make a decision on the issue surrounding driver safety, however regardless of their decision we will be taking our own steps to ensure the safety of the fleet.

“Driver safety is paramount, so we have to move quickly to ensure the safety of our fleet.
We will supply and support the driver’s choice for any security measure a driver wishes to put in place for themselves. These may include screens, cameras and flak jackets or protective clothing.

“We are expecting a positive outcome from the Government in terms of its support for driver safety, but we are not expecting the Government to fund safety devices and measures. Anything the Government can do to help the drivers and enhance their safety will be encouraging.”

Effective immediately, Auckland Co-op Taxis is also introducing new procedures for night bookings, so that drivers are not required to get out of vehicles to let the customer know they are there. Instead the customer will receive a call from the Company’s call centre when the taxi arrives.

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