Brownlee fined $2000 for security gate crash
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister says he's disappointed with himself.
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Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority Minister Gerry Brownlee is “very disappointed” with himself for gate crashing security at Christchurch Airport on July 24. Mr Brownelee was also Transport Minister at the time.
He says he has learned from “the events which occurred” and has paid a $2000 fine imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority. He paid the fine out of his own pocket.
Director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris says airport security is a serious matter and there had been a thorough investigation.
The incident occurred when Mr Brownlee and his aides entered a gate lounge through an exit only door.
“I would like to make it clear this investigation applied the same assessment criteria and level of rigour as would be the case in any similar event,” he says in a prepared media statement.
Mary Scholtens QC undertook an independent review of the investigation to ensure it was consistent with the standards required by the CAA.
Mr Brownlee was issued an infringement notice for breaching Civil Aviation Rule 19.357(b), which states no person may be in an airport security area without an appropriate identity card or document.
His two parliamentary aides, which includes media secretary Nick Bryant, have been issued formal warning letters for the same offence, “which reflects their limited culpability in respect to the incident”.
“The subjects of this investigation are now fully aware of the importance of abiding by airport security rules, and the consequences of breaching these.
“The publicity surrounding the incident should also act as a warning to the travelling public that any airport security breaches are taken very seriously by the CAA,” Mr Harris says.
Since the incident the CAA has required the Aviation Security Service, Christchurch International Airport and Air New Zealand to undertake a range of corrective actions to enhance aviation security and prevent an incident of this nature re-occurring.
On the day of the incident Christchurch International Airport began the process of identifying a new exit procedure.
This involved reinforcing to airport representatives the need for effective control of the exit door in question, erecting signage to discourage passengers entering through the door and placing an order for a new, one-way turnstile that will act as an additional deterrent. It is expected to be operational at the end of next week.
Chris Hutching
Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Tue, 18 Nov 2014
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
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Brownlee fined $2000 for security gate crash
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