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Campaign 4 Fair Ferry Fares
In the Winter of 2008, Fullers Ferries increased its ferry fares for commuters from $300 to $344 a month, in response to rising operating costs and record diesel price increases over the preceding months.
A grass-roots campaign, called Campaign 4 Fair Ferry Fares, was set up, led by Cathy Urquhart, in a lighthearted spirit to highlight the unaffordable increases.
Actions at the wharf terminals and on the boat, such as passengers dressing up as pirates (accusing Fullers of "robbery on the high seas") and carrying a coffin on board to draw attention to the death of social diversity on the island when travel becomes too expensive for low and modest income families to live on Waiheke.
The campaign has had mixed success with monthly fares dropping to $310 (but rising again in February to $315), but has drawn nationwide press and TV coverage to its colourful protest actions.
The campaign has set up a blog, Fullerswatch, to relate public transport experiences and issues on the Hauraki Gulf.