Air NZ employee reinstated after smacking claim

Air New Zealand has been told to reinstate an employee after allegations she smacked a five-year-old mildly autistic girl were dropped.

The child's mother claimed that when her daughter screamed while standing near a luggage counter, customer services agent Yvonne Sparrow smacked her on the thigh and buttocks area, causing the girl to start crying.

Ms Sparrow was sacked despite denying assault.

The Employment Relations Authority ruled the airline failed to establish any blame should be attached to Ms Sparrow.

Air NZ was also ordered to pay her $5000 for "hurt and humiliation" caused.

- NZPA