(FIRST ON CHRISLYNCHMEDIA.COM)

E-scooter user and Christchurch Central Ward candidate Hayley Guglietta says she is ‘gutted’ following Ario’s decision to leave Christchurch, costing all local staff their jobs just seven months after launching.

Christchurch was the first New Zealand city to host Ario e-scooters after the company was granted a five year licence by the Christchurch City Council. The scooters launched on 4 February.

However, in an email sent to staff last week and seen by Chris Lynch Media, the company manager said, “I’m writing with a difficult but important update. Following a strategic review, Ario will conclude operations in Christchurch.

“This aligns with the broader direction shared by the executive team and our formal notice to Council.”

Christchurch Central Ward council candidate Hayley Guglietta told chrislynchmedia.com  “Losing Ario shows we need a smarter approach to shared transport in Christchurch, one that supports innovation, protects local jobs, and gives people safe, reliable alternatives to driving.

“We can’t afford to let good ideas fail because the market isn’t managed well. This is really disappointing. As a regular e-scooter user I like to be able to access one quickly to get from Richmond to meetings in the central city. Having multiple options to choose from was good for the city,” she said.

At the time of Ario’s announcement, then New Zealand and Australia general manager Adam Rossetto said, “We’re ecstatic that Christchurch has chosen Ario, giving locals and tourists the chance to experience something truly different.”

The email announcing the company’s decision to pull out of Christchurch said “I know this is tough news. Christchurch has been a place where many of you have put in long hours, solved hard problems, and built something we’re genuinely proud of. This decision is not a reflection of your performance or commitment. It is about where the Ario model can be most sustainable long term.

“Wind down begins in two weeks. Until then, you should expect to keep your current hours, with some adjustments as needed. All Christchurch operations roles will be phased out gradually over the following weeks as we transition the fleet and meet contractual obligations. We are targeting a complete operational exit in roughly one to two months.”

In August last year, NZTA ruled that Ario’s remote parking function conflicted with the legal definition of a “wheeled recreational device” under the E-Scooter (Declaration Not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2023 and the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004. This led to a regulatory change requiring autonomous or remotely controlled functions to be disabled, forcing Ario to deactivate its remote piloting feature.

Christchurch City Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright told chrislynchmedia.com, “We are aware of their decision to withdraw from their licence agreement. This has been entirely their decision.”

The company has been approached for comment.