PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed until 11am Sunday 9th April 2017

TIPPING POINT FOR WAIHEKE!

In December 2016, Fullers introduced a fleet of double-decker buses on a half-hour circuit to take tourists to a selection of the island's vineyards.

Since their introduction, these over-sized buses - totally incongruous with the island's unique wairua - have been involved in a number of near-disastrous incidents which could have been fatal.

I in 4 Waiheke residents have signed an ActionStation petition calling for the buses to be removed permanently, as well as a public meeting between the community, Auckland Transport and the Mayor. Residents are furious that their rates are subsidising a private company's profit.

On Sunday April 9th, concerned residents will colourfully voice their strong objections to the continual use of these 'double-wreckers', as they are known locally, in a 'protect Waiheke' march in front of one of the buses, from Matiatia Wharf to Oneroa.

"Ditch the Double-Decker Day" will start down at the Matiatia foreshore at 11am, with some short speeches before 'protectors' move onto Ocean View Road to block the 11.45am Explorer bus, with a haka.

Submission_to_the_Waiheke_Local_Board_1302173.docx

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