Apology from Shotover Jet for ANZAC service disruption

There's been an apology from Shotover Jet and owners Ngāi Tahu Tourism after what residents say was the disrespectful disruption of an ANZAC service on the famous Edith Cavell bridge this morning.

A large group of locals was on the bridge to mark ANZAC day when the playing of the Last Post was drowned out by the tourist jet boats on the river below.

One resident posted on social media:"Shame on Shotover Jet for not stopping their money boats for 2 minutes at the rememberance service."

Another resident contacted Crux direct saying:  "There are a few hundred angry locals who came to the Edith Cavell remembrance service today, only to have it drowned out by Shotover Jet going back and forth. Thought Ngāi Tahu could have shown some respect and delayed their departure time for 10 minutes."

In a statement released to Crux this afternoon Donald Boyer, Business Manager – Tumu Pākihi, Shotover Jet said:

"We apologise unreservedly for the disturbance our boats created during today’s ANZAC ceremony on the Edith Cavell bridge. We are investigating our processes as we believe we should have done better. We are deeply disappointed at what has occurred and will ensure we halt operations for future ANZAC ceremonies."  

The resident who contacted Crux also says that the Returned and Services Association (RSA) had made an approach to ask that one of their ANZAC poppy collection boxes could be positioned at the Shotover Jet base. The RSA was told that the request had to be referred to Ngāi Tahu management but claim that no reply was received. 

This was denied today by My Boyer who confirmed that an approach was made but that they told the RSA that they were happy to have the collection box on the premises.

Commenting on the Arthurs Point Community Facebook page QLDC councillor Craig Ferguson said that he had noted the views of residents about the disruption to today's service.