Mike Pero

Mike Pero readily admits that the best possible outcome from his proposed Antarctic flight has been accomplished.

Air New Zealand announced last night that they would work with the Government to get Erebus families down on to the ice. Rob Fyfe has suggested that the families should not have to pay any money towards this flight to visit the crash site of TE901.

"This is a major turnaround from only a matter of weeks ago when media sources quoted Air New Zealand as seeing this task as being that of the Government or Antarctica New Zealand," said Pero.

"I congratulate Air New Zealand on finally putting a free flight to Antarctica for family members of the Erebus Disaster on the table," said Pero.

"At last Air New Zealand can be credited for taking on board my concerns, the overwhelming sentiment of New Zealanders and most importantly the wishes of the victims' families.

"I'm pleased that a week of unpleasantness resulted in a good outcome for the families. The statements issued by Rob Fyfe last week about me were not only untrue, but were also very defamatory - a reaction I would not have expected from a High-level CEO in the public arena.

"I maintain I had the best intentions and, from the beginning, was willing to work with Air NZ and the families. In hindsight I have learned not to put my hand up to offer assistance and I would warn others in my position to think twice before getting involved.

This said, the media, websites & the public outrage were reflective of the way most Kiwis saw the situation - and that was pleasing for me. "In the event that the Government and Air New Zealand's plans do not come to fruition then I would readily and happily provide an alternative. The main thing is that 30 years later something is finally being done for the victims' families.

"The question has been raised about future flights to the Antarctica for sightseeing. Qantas have run over 80 from Australia with over 30,000 Australian and New Zealanders going to and from Sydney and Melbourne.

The charter operator in Australia has signalled an interest in Auckland departures if a demand exists. These flights would not be about Mt Erebus but more the geography and other sites in the world's largest, coldest, highest and windiest continent.

"My personal view is that the commemorative flight should come first, let the dust settle and then if demand exists and everyone is happy, New Zealanders could get to see the ice continent again but anything now is looking more like 2011.

"Rob Fyfe has continually expressed his concern to me that the families of the victims of the Erebus Disaster maintain some degree of privacy and not be associated with any 'sightseeing' trip. I whole-heartedly agree and suggest that this would be achieved without the presence of T.V. cameras and media on-board any future flights or trips.

"It would be terrible if it were perceived by the public that Air New Zealand was using any Erebus Commemoration as their own P.R. stunt, as I was accused of doing. Worse still that Air New Zealand was manipulating families of the victims for their own Public Relations outcomes.

"We must all remember that 257 people lost their lives when Air New Zealand Flight TE901 flew into the side of Mt Erebus. At last we are seeing some progress from Air New Zealand. They have now committed to providing 'no cost' opportunities for families to set foot in Antarctica or to provide a private opportunity for representatives to fly over the Mt Erebus crash site. New Zealand awaits keenly for confirmed details of these trips."