Trophy fails flight rules

The pocketknife belonging to Mr Taylor's brother, Guy.
The pocketknife belonging to Mr Taylor's brother, Guy.
Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor is presented with his trophy as Maori business leader of the year....
Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor is presented with his trophy as Maori business leader of the year. Photos supplied.

It seems trophies can be also be weapons, in the view of airline security.

Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor was bemused when his ''beautiful'' pounamu patu had to be stored in the hold on a flight from Auckland to Dunedin on Saturday.

The traditional Maori club was presented to Mr Taylor when he was named Maori business leader of the year at the Aotearoa New Zealand Maori Business Leaders' Awards on Friday night. Mr Taylor had planned to take it on the flight with him.

He emphasised he was not complaining about the apologetic airport security staff's decree it had to be packed in the hold, but he thought it was funny his brother, Guy Taylor, who was passing security at the same time, was allowed to board his flight with a pocketknife.

The patu was, Ian Taylor said, categorised as a weapon of martial arts.

''He [the security man] was really nice; he said: `Sorry mate, can't let it through', but he looked at me and he said: `Good on you for winning it'.''

It arrived in Dunedin safe and sound, having been carefully packed for him by Air New Zealand staff.

Civil Aviation Authority rules indicate knifes with blades of 6cm or less may be taken on board as carry-on luggage.

 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement