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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. Should you require this type of specialist service you will need to arrange this directly with a reputable service provider. Personal/principal protection services are relatively uncommon in New Zealand and it is unlikely that any high profile individual/s would be swamped by public attention, especially if there is no media anticipation or publicised plans relating to their movements. However, preparation and planning remain key factors as there are always exceptions: be they for personal reasons, reasons of notoriety, affiliations, political views, wealth, or even as a stipulation of a work or travel contract and/or other insurance requirement.
If a Personal Protection Officer is required, they are welcome to accompany us in the vehicle for the duration of the PREMIER DRIVE service. If you have read my My Back Story you will be aware of my experience hosting many of the world's high profile individuals in some higher risk locations such as Johannesburg (South Africa) and other African countries. Please note: based on this, and other experience, together with the ingrained practice of defensive driving principles such as situational awareness of space and time positioning etc. it is a condition of the PREMIER DRIVE service that all matters concerning the vehicle will remain my sole-charge responsibility in all situations and at all times - Mark Warner, sole proprietor of Caretaker Services.
Please get in touch if you have
any other questions.
PREMIER DRIVE
Q. Are there any additional or excluded costs?
No.
The hourly charge rate is fully inclusive of all costs relating to the vehicle and driver such as: driver allowances, insurances, fuel, road tolls, user permits, entrance charges/tariffs, parking fees, and water ferry conveyance carriage charges + unlimited onboard WiFi and satellite phone use (incl. call charges).
Q. Can you accommodate wheelchairs?
Unfortunately the vehicles are not designed for automated roll on wheelchairs but can accommodate a collapsible type wheelchair in the boot/luggage area (subject to other luggage/space requirements).
Q. Can we smoke or vape inside the vehicle with the windows open?
Sorry, no. But, we can gladly make regular en-route rest/refreshment stops, and take smoke breaks as and when required.
Q. Will it be ok to bring along my small lap dog pet?
Yes, provided your dog/pet is small enough to fit inside an enclosed pet basket that can be secured on the rear passenger seat. Larger, trained assistance dogs are required to travel in a suitable approved travel transport crate secured in the rear luggage area of the vehicle (BMW X7 Series SUV only).
Q. Do you charge for traffic congestion, route changes or other unexpected delays that may occur due to poor/changing weather conditions and/or road related incidents?
Yes, the charge period is from start to completion of the full PREMIER DRIVE service. This, as I have limited control/responsibility over matters such as traffic congestion, poor weather conditions and/or other unexpected road related incidents. The only exception would be in the event of a mechanical breakdown or accident (please see below).
Q. What happens in the event of a mechanical breakdown?
While all vehicles are meticulously maintained and serviced, the dreaded mechanical breakdown or other unexpected event such as an accident or stone strike shattered windscreen, can happen. In the unlikely event of this occurrence, the first priority is safety. Following this, as a sole proprietor business it is important to have a predetermined plan. Caretaker Services maintains a 24-hour emergency roadside assistance plan as well as other insurances specifically related to an unexpected breakdown. Most importantly, I have connections and dependable contacts in the VIP transport business. For a breakdown, 'The plan' would revolve around our breakdown location, the time of day/night, and the amount of spare time available to rectify the situation. Rest assured, you will be back on the road as soon as possible, even if we have to swap out vehicles, make use of a hired vehicle, or secure the services of an alternative VIP road, or other air (helicopter) transfer service.
All PREMIER DRIVE charges are suspended at the time of any accident/breakdown, and will only resume once you are mobile and en-route to your destination. No additional/extra transfer, or other costs (including helicopter transfer costs if required) will be charged to the customer/client.
Q. What does "*Special conditions may apply" mean?
"*Special conditions may apply" relates to possible restrictions, limitations and/or changes to travel plans/schedules that may be in effect, or come into effect due to circumstances/situations relating to, or arising from any pandemic/s, or other national/regional civil warnings relating to extreme weather conditions, emergencies and unforeseen disaster/s.
As the sole proprietor of Caretaker Services, I am responsible for the safety, health and wellbeing of my passengers, and as such, it is a condition of the PREMIER DRIVE agreement that in the event of any such circumstances/situations occcuring, I reserve the right to alter, change, or suspend, any PREMIER DRIVE road transfer service/s as may be required.
In addition, please note that the PREMIER DRIVE service may be terminated (without any monetary refund/compensation) should it be deemed by me (Mark Warner), that any passenger has become overly aggressive, or abusive, or has attempted to interfere with the operation of the vehicle, or has intentionally damaged the vehicle, or poses a severe safety/liability risk to themselves, others, or the environment.
Straight up answers to all your PREMIER DRIVE related questions, answered by Mark Warner (driver & sole proprietor - Caretaker Services, New Zealand).
Q. What leisure gear can we bring along in terms of fishing rods, golf clubs, skis, bicycles and surfboards?
Both vehicle types can accommodate a couple of fishing rods up to 2.5 meters in length, or up to two complete sets of golf clubs (shoulder bags), or up to two pairs of skis with ski poles and ski gear (subject to other luggage/space requirements). Please note that skis and ski poles load through the rear passenger seat centre console/armrest. Sorry, no bicycles or surf boards.
Q. We plan to include a hunting package in our itinerary. Can we bring along our hunting rifles and shotguns?
Yes. Please remember that it is essential you bring along a certified copy of your valid firearms license/s and/or carry permit/s. With regard to rifles and shotguns, the BMW X7 Series SUV is the recommended vehicle choice as it can travel to locations via unsealed roads and off road tracks. A secure combination rifle lockbox for up to four rifles/shotguns with seperate ammunition compartment can be fitted to this vehicle at no additional charge (subject to other luggage/space requirements). Please note that additional special arrangements will need to be made concerning the transportation of any harvest/trophies, as these cannot be transported in PREMIER DRIVE vehicles.
Q. Can you give an indication of your package rate for an extended overnight road charter for 2 people - exclusive private service, Auckland to Queenstown?
Extended overnight charters/cross country PREMIER DRIVE charters can be tailored to your specific requirements. An Auckland to Queenstown package/service would be charged at NZD 1600.00 per day (24-hour on call period) and is fully inclusive of all costs relating to the vehicle and driver, including unlimited mileage & Cook Strait ferry charges, as well as my overnight accommodation and meal allowances. The minimum charter period for North - South Island charters is 3 consecutive days.
Q. We require a 4 day corporate Premier Drive service for our 4 international visitors. This would include the usual multiple Auckland Airport meet and greet services (3 different flight schedules) together with frequent daily transfers between the SkyCity Hotel, our Auckland HQ and the Auckland Heliport. Daily site visits and transfers throughout the Auckland region are also required, with a return Rotorua full day VIP road trip excursion for two people on day 3. Our important guests would also need to be transported to and from all evening hospitality engagements and other events over the 4 days. Your Premier Drive Service would be expected to be available on location from 7am to midnight daily. Host responsibility etiquette and courtesies are required. Are you able to assist, and will you use the same vehicle as last time?
Yes, I can gladly provide a 4 day PREMIER DRIVE service for your important overseas visitors as per your requirements (on location, 7am to midnight daily). The fully inclusive cost for this service including the Rotorua return day trip etc. would be NZD 1800.00 per day/night, same vehicle (white 2022 BMW X7 Series SUV).
Q. Do you arrange protection services for high profile individuals?
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