The boss of Christchurch based Safety Warehouse has defended the company’s ‘drop giveaway.’

More than 1000 people gathered in Auckland’s Aotea square on Saturday after the company promoted plans to drop $100,000 from the sky.

The drop prompted attendee, John Murphy to start a petition calling for the public to boycott of The Safety Warehouse.

On an online post Murphy said “myself along with others expected REAL CASH to be thrown into the crowds NOT fake useless vouchers that probably 99% of people there can’t or never would use.”

“This petition demands The Safety Warehouse NZ do the right thing and give all participants the REAL CASH for there USELESS notes.”

Christchurch based Andrew Thorn said “The Drop giveaway has been unfairly characterised as an event with fake money.”

He said “in truth, real funds were given away as anticipated. The vouchers that were also presented at the event were in addition to the cash that was given away.”

“We never could have expected the inclusion of the vouchers would have created such hostility and a misunderstood narrative.”

“No one paid for tickets to The Drop, it was a free event to say thank you to the people of New Zealand..”

Thorn said “the actions of a few individuals (and various onlookers) was not characteristic of the overall mood of the event. A select few ruined the tone of the day for everyone, but they were by no means the norm – just a few people who did not obtain as much value as they had hoped, for whatever reason.”

He said “The Drop was based on a Family Friendly, Charity give away from our employees who wished to give back to everyday New Zealanders. The concept was based on a live cash draw with live music & a “free to enter” to allow anyone to attend. The venue was extended to allow more New Zealanders & a family zone.”

Thorn said “after completing our risk assessments it was decided that vouchers should be introduced too.”

“This would assist with mitigating offensive behaviour between patrons. The vouchers consisted of discounts, free goods, house renovation discounts, free accounting services and more.”

“There was no intent to deprive, mislead or embarrass any person of any demographic or race.”

“We wanted anyone & everyone to attend & to be a part of a great event. It was a first of this scale in New Zealand and unfortunately, a group ruined it for all.”

“The Safety Warehouse stands by our marketing and what was issued at the event.”

“Staff assisted when requested, about how to use vouchers & what to do with them. It was also announced throughout the event about getting the lucky vouchers & if individuals required First Aid – where to go. After the event drop, all patrons were announced to scan the money and vouchers and see what they have.”

“There was an individual who did not receive anything they felt could benefit them & decided their time was wasted & took it upon themselves to disconnect the power, which resulted in The Safety Warehouse not being able to communicate with anyone further.”

“There was a minority who wished to stay within the venue & when The Safety Warehouse staff wished to leave for some food after working 20 hours straight, were approached, then assaulted & ultimately mobbed by a bunch of thugs.”

“We will be reviewing all cctv / cameras & the individuals who assaulted, damaged property and contributed to putting many at risk, will be referred to police. We don’t tolerate that behaviour in New Zealand and our genuine staff did not deserve anything of the sort.”

“These individuals did not have to attend, it was free to enter & it was clearly showcased it was a lolly scramble & you may leave with nothing.”

Mr Thorn said “the narrative from media & others that it was a scam, or a prank, it was not.”

“The video’s used to showcase this narrative, are snippets and do not display all. The main video circulating via Media is of a woman claiming the event to be a scam and that no money was given.”

“That exact video is “cut short” where the woman’s very own daughter acknowledges she herself did receive a $5 note. This happened on two seperate videos of the pair & the media failed or neglected to showcase this. Within many social media platforms individuals have clearly said they received money and we are so happy about that.”