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A service has been held at Air New Zealand's head office in Auckland to commemorate the victims of the Mt Erebus disaster in which 257 people lost their lives.
Another service was held at Erebus Garden at Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland where 60 of the crash victims are buried and a memorial was held near Auckland Airport.
Services were also held in Christchurch and at Scott Base in Antarctica.
At the memorial held at the Air NZ headquarters in Auckland, Archdeacon Glynn Cardy spoke of the feelings of pain and loss when "death came stomping into our lives" but said it was also a time to remember good times.
Cardy said two key symbols at the service - a sculpture based on the theme of momentum and a wreath of roses - effectively portrayed the beauty and fragility of flight.
In Christchurch, Air NZ chief executive Rob Fyfe reiterated his apology to the families of victims of the Mt Erebus disaster, saying he is "sorry they did not receive the support and compassion that they should have from Air New Zealand".
Speaking at the memorial service, Fyfe said that the mistakes made by the airline weigh heavily on him as chief executive.
He says the tragedy is one of the events that has shaped the airline as well as being a significant moment in the history of the nation. It continues to evoke much emotion, controversy and debate, says Fyfe and he says that adds to the burden carried by those who lost loved ones.
Fyfe says the Erebus story is one of adventure and while he has not personally been to Antarctica it is evident that it is truly awe-inspiring.
Meanwhile, family members who didn't get to go to Antarctica this weekend are hoping there will be another chance.
Andrew Bond from Christchurch missed out on being chosen for the small delegation attending the 30th anniversary commemorations.
He lost both his parents on flight TE901 and says it's great others have the opportunity to be there. He is attending the service at Air New Zealand's headquarters.
Six family members of Erebus victims arrived at Scott Base on Friday and have flown over the crash site .
Base spokesman Simon Trotter says a memorial service conducted by Christchurch Dean Peter Beck was intended to be a simple and quiet affair which would be meaningful to the families.
About 50 people attended the service, including staff from Scott Base, board members from Antarctica New Zealand and representatives from the US research centre at McMurdo Station.
Dave Morgan, general manager operations at Air New Zealand, told those assembled that the airline made mistakes and let down people directly affected by the tragedy.
"I have to tell you that weighs heavily on management."
Add a Comment:
Post new commentPaulNZ said on 2009-11-28 @ 18:12 NZDT: Report abusive post
For someone whom has lost 2 on the flight a fly by whislt nice would not cover it. Air NZ have given 6 the opportunity which is all that could logistically be able to to contend with in the location which is not like its downtown. I commend Air NZ for the opportunity they have provided even though its for a few. It was a NZ tradegy and my feeling was New Zealand failed to look after those that were affected and no single company or person can be blaimed.
martins_chc_nz said on 2009-11-28 @ 12:51 NZDT: Report abusive post
I find it odd how little credit has been given to the US Antarctic Program for their involvement in this event. It was their plane, not Air New Zealand, or Antarctica NZ who flew the family members down to the ice. And all credit to Mike Pero, good on you mate. Why Air new Zealand would not send ALL the families down is just questionable beyond belief. Are those 6 more important than the others or is it simply yet another occurance of corporate greed being more important than compassion.
chrispy said on 2009-11-26 @ 16:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
I believe Air New Zealand should start looking at its self with regardsa to be respectful. I took this so called iconic company 30 years to get up the guts to appologise, that is if you can call that episode an appology. Good on Mike Pero. Air New Zealand should put on a flight for All the Families, who lost loved ones, Feee of Any Cost..!!!
Lulu45 said on 2009-11-26 @ 10:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think the gesture is great, however, Air New Zealand should be taking all the families that suffered this tragedy down and they should be apologising for the errors that were made - 30 years on the wounds are still raw and it is time to heal
Mananan said on 2009-11-26 @ 08:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
I think Mike is just giving more people who lost someone a chance to see the site. Air New Zealand, if you really cared, you would fill up an enitre aircraft of family and friends of the victims for free, rather than the pathetic effort of 6 that you have done.