File pic Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Some Auckland ferry services will return to normal frequency next month with new crew trained up to plug workforce gaps.
Auckland Transport reduced timetables last October to make time for ferry operator, Fullers360, to train staff.
Last year, the restricted services and abrupt cancellations annoyed commuters, some of whom faced long trips on buses to get to their destinations.
Following mass cancellations of Fullers ferries earlier in the year, then-immigration minister Michael Wood called a crisis meeting with Fullers, Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi, to address the staff shortage.
The result was that skippers and deckhands were added to the green list for visas.
Fullers360 marine manager Andy Johnson said 20 new deckhands and 10 skippers had been appointed.
From 4 June, Devonport ferries will return to a 20-minute frequency, while weekday sailings will be added to Half Moon Bay, Birkenhead, and Te Onewa Northcote Point services.
Birkenhead and Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry services are operated by Explore Group.