Brownlee should pay for $43,550 airport breach inquiry - Winston Peters

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee. Photo / Greg Bowker

NZ First leader Winston Peters says Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee should pay for $43,550 in legal and staff costs for an inquiry into his security breach at Christchurch Airport last year.

Mr Peters released information obtained under the Official Information Act which showed the total cost included $21,275 for a peer review of the CAA's findings by lawyer Mary Scholtens and $17,490 in staff time for the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mr Brownlee stood down as Minister of Transport and apologised for bypassing security screening in June because he and his staff were running late. He was later fined $2000 after the Civil Aviation Authority investigation.

Mr Peters said Mr Brownlee's behaviour was "arrogant".

"He was carried away, believing as a minister he was above the law ... All Mr Brownlee got for his action in July last year was a $2000 fine. Civil Aviation investigated the breach, no doubt to stop it happening again, with costs of $43,550."

A spokesman for Mr Brownlee said he did not wish to comment on Mr Peters' call or the cost of the inquiry.

"He took absolute responsibility for what happened, cooperated fully and paid the fine immediately."

Mr Brownlee and two staffers had gone into the airport through an exit-only door.

Christchurch Airport was also required to make changes, including more signage and installing a one-way turnstile at the exit door to prevent it happening again.

The breakdown of the costs included $21,275 for the peer review by lawyer Mary Scholtens, $4,278 for a legal opinion from CAA lawyer Fletcher Pilditch, $17,490 in staff time and $507 in costs such as travel.