Fake money ‘cash drop’ organisers should apologise, Pmsays

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for an apology from the organisers of a ‘‘$100,000 cash drop’’ event where fake money was handed out.

The event, by The Safetywarehouse, promised ‘‘actual money’’ but used mainly vouchers which looked like banknotes.

‘‘I cannot fathom how at any point someone would think that was a good idea,’’ Ardern said at yesterday’s post-cabinet press conference. ‘‘It has caused harm, it has caused hurt, they should apologise.’’

Acting Auckland central area commander Inspector Scott

Gemmell said police were making follow-up inquiries with the organisers, as well as reviewing the event.

Meanwhile, four complaints have been laid with the Commerce Commission, a spokesman confirmed yesterday. ‘‘We are in the process of assessing those complaints and have formed no view yet on whether the promotion of the event may have breached the Fair Trading Act,’’ he said. ‘‘In general, we note again that the main message of any advertising or promotion must be accurate. Advertisers and promoters cannot use fine print to correct an overall impression that is misleading.’’

A spokesman from the Reserve

Bank also issued a warning that it was illegal to publish anything resembling a genuine banknote, following the incident in which fake $5 notes rained down on people in Aotea Square.

People who flocked to the event held on Saturday, were left angry, out of pocket and injured.

The event was marketed as ‘‘New Zealand’s first ever mass cash drop’’, with the promise of ‘‘actual money’’ flying from the sky to the tune of $100,000.

John Murphy spent $200 on travel and accommodation to travel from Levin, so he could be in Auckland for the promised giveaway. He called the event an ‘‘absolute disaster,’’ saying it was a masterclass in how not to run a free cash giveaway: ‘‘Scam the people and completely ignore your own safety advice’’.

He said he was pushed, shoved and hit around the head. Until he was back at his accommodation, he thought the notes clutched in his hands were the real deal.

He has started a petition calling on The Safety Warehouse to honour the vouchers and exchange them for cash.

Safety Warehouse managing director Andrew Thorn said the event had been ‘‘unfairly characterised’’ as one with fake money.

He said ‘‘real funds’’ were given away, and he never expected the inclusion of vouchers would have created ‘‘such hostility and a misunderstood narrative’’.

Thorn said the vouchers were added after risk assessments were done to help mitigate ‘‘offensive behaviour between patrons’’.

He claimed a select few had ruined the tone of the day. There was no intent to deprive, mislead or embarrass any person.

‘‘The Safety Warehouse stands by our marketing and what was issued at the event.’’

On The Safety Warehouse’s now-deleted Facebook page, more than 2000 people registered their interest in the event.