Pressure mounts for Nitro Circus refund

Natasha Van Engelen drove from Whangarei to see the Nitro performers with sons (from left) Ethan, Caleb and Joel.

We were short-changed say spectators, as TicketMaster refers complaints to the daredevil show’s promoters

People who attended Auckland's rain-affected Nitro Circus Live show at the weekend believe they should be compensated for the short performance at QBE Stadium.

Dozens of disgruntled patrons contacted the Herald about the Sunday night outdoor show, saying it only ran for about 45 minutes due to bad weather.

The show, which featured performers doing stunts on equipment, including dirt bikes, BMX bikes and quad bikes, was supposed to run for 105 minutes.

A woman, who only wanted to be known as Karen, paid $180 for tickets for her husband and 11-year-old son.

The family had checked throughout the day on the show's status as it had been raining, Karen said.

"My husband rang [TicketMaster] three or four times on Sunday to check to see if it would still be on. They just kept saying to him 'oh no, no you'll get an email if it's cancelled'.

"He tried them again before they left and they said it was still on."

Once the pair arrived, the show lasted for about 45 minutes. "That's a lot of money for two people. My son was devastated."

Karen believed compensation in the form of a refund, partial refund or discount for another show, should be offered as weather conditions were not suitable.

Whangarei mother-of-three Natasha Van Engelen drove to the show at QBE stadium with her husband Mike and the couple's three sons Ethan, 14, Joel, 10, and Caleb, 8 from the family's Kamo home.

For $415, they saw a "50-minute rushed-through mishmash of a show", Mrs Van Engelen said.

The family had already contacted TicketMaster - which sold the tickets - for a refund.

Like other attendants who contacted the Herald, Mrs Van Engelen said she would have been happy to return for a rescheduled show on Monday - the reserve day set for the show.

Nitro Circus Live promoter Mike Porra said while a Monday show had been considered, it was ruled out as the weather forecast was even worse than Sunday.

TicketMaster said it was referring any complaints and refund requests to Nitro Circus Live.

"TicketMaster acts as the ticketing agent for those who are promoting or otherwise providing the event for which you have purchased tickets. Refund policies are set by our clients," a company spokeswoman said.

Consumer New Zealand said while it was highly unlikely ticket holders would get a refund, there could be a "remote chance" for compensation if it could be proved organisers went ahead with Sunday's shortened show - knowing Monday's reserve day was not an option - and hadn't offered a refund.

However, there were always "many outs" in the Terms and Conditions section for tickets, which made securing refunds difficult, chief executive Sue Chetwin said.

Fans revved up over shortened show

I spent over $200 on four tickets for me, my partner and my two children. We live in Hawkes Bay and travelled to Auckland for the show. My partner had to take time off from work. So far we are yet to hear from Ticketmaster about a refund or part refund.
Casey Minnell

To say I'm disappointed is putting it mildly. I purchased two VIP tickets to take my son for his Christmas present. I think the promoters have a cheek. By saying the show was neither postponed nor cancelled they do not have to pay out any refunds.
T L Cousins

We bought five VIP tickets at $150 a pop on one wage and a baby on the way (now 2 months old) as Christmas presents for us and our parents. They had a back-up date, why not use it?
Michyla Harry

My daughter (22) had bought two tickets as Christmas presents for me and my husband. We were absolutely gutted when it was cut short and cancelled early.
Angela Flynn

I booked my tickets three months ago and paid $70 per ticket. We went to the stadium earlier in the afternoon to confirm if the event was still on and they said YES!! We should be refunded partially as they did not deliver.
Annelize Meyer