Travel Retailer Guarantees All Christchurch Jobs

MEDIA RELEASE
10 May 2011

New Zealand’s Largest Travel Retailer Guarantees All Christchurch Jobs

Flight Centre New Zealand is proud to announce today its guarantee that there will be no redundancies in Christchurch as a result of the earthquake. The company also opened a new store in Ferrymead yesterday, demonstrating its commitment to the city.

With 17 stores in the region and almost 70 staff, Flight Centre stores were severely damaged, with just six original stores back in operation to date. However the company is adamant there will be no redundancies and has guaranteed this to its staff.

Flight Centre executive general manager, Mike Friend, said it was important that ongoing support and reassurance was given to its people in Christchurch.

“We are adamant that no jobs will be lost as a result of the earthquake and I am guaranteeing this.

“We are working with staff to relocate people across Canterbury, throughout the country and even those that wanted the opportunity, to Australia.

“To open our new Ferrymead store this week is testament to our commitment,” Mr Friend said.

This guarantee is in addition to the $1 million donation through the Red Cross. The company has also distributed almost $100,000 to all staff in Christchurch to aid in their personal recovery.

The fund comprises of a large donation from the company and fundraising efforts from its own staff.

“We were fortunate that no one was injured in our stores, however we know the effects are ongoing for our staff.

“We’re hugely proud of our people - both professionally and personally.”

Flight Centre area accountant, Wendy Preston, will be using the fund to plaster her son’s wall.

“There are very big cracks in the wall, I’ve covered most with posters but you can still see cracks that the ‘naughty dinosaurs’ made, as my son says.”

Meanwhile Kerri Orchard, who used to work at Flight Centre The Palms and is now working remotely, will use the money to honour her sister-in-law’s memory.

“I will purchase a sculpture or piece of artwork in remembrance of my sister-in-law. This generosity is overwhelming and greatly appreciated.”

Sarah McDonald, from Flight Centre Hornby, will be using the funds to help out her family.

“I’m going to shout my Mum and Dad a weekend away. My Dad was trapped in the PGC building and still suffering emotionally and physically. Will be nice to do something to help him.”

The company, which opened its first store in Christchurch in 1987, continues to also offer staff access to financial advisors and external counselors.

- ENDS -

About Flight Centre

Flight Centre (NZ) Ltd is New Zealand’s largest travel agency, with approximately 900 staff in more than 200 retail stores and businesses nationwide.

Flight Centre consultants are travel experts and are selected for their vast product knowledge and their passion for travel. Flight Centre’s global network allows consultants access to the widest travel product offering in the New Zealand, at the best value.

Brands in the New Zealand market operated by Flight Centre (NZ) Ltd include;

Flight Centre

Round the World

Premium Travel

FCm Travel Solutions

Corporate Traveller

Infinity Holidays

Escape Holidays

CiEvents

Cruiseabout

Itchy Feet Travel

Student Flights

The company has won the JRA Best Workplaces, large workplace category award for eight consecutive years. In addition and in recognition of Flight Centre’s continued achievements in the JRA Best Workplaces Survey over the past eight years, Flight Centre is also a Five-Year League Award recipient.

Flight Centre Limited globally has almost 13,000 staff in 11 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Hong Kong, India and China.

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