Auckland Airport rolls back the Bluecoats

Dozens of Auckland Airport's elderly volunteer helpers, known as Bluecoats, have been given their marching orders because of an over-supply of willing workers.

The Bluecoats, who are also known as hospitality ambassadors, have assisted travellers and answered queries at the airport for more than 11 years.

One elderly Bluecoat, who didn't want to be named, said yesterday that she felt "devastated" she had been relieved of her duties.

"Some of the men, in particular, were very upset when they were told."

She said it was a privilege to be able to greet and help people who arrived at the airport.

"I think it's an important job. Some of us speak foreign languages, which is a big help for passengers."

The Bluecoats, who work four-hour shifts, receive a travel allowance for transport to and from the airport.

Auckland Airport's chief executive, Don Huse, said about 40 of the roughly 160 volunteer positions had not been extended. He said the Bluecoats were a "special and unique service" at the airport.

"We are very keen to continue the service, but their numbers were a bit high ... There's an optimal number in everything otherwise you become inefficient and it wastes time."

Most of the volunteers who had been let go would be finishing at the end of this week, he said.

The decision to relieve the volunteers of their roles was based largely on their performance.

"We had a look at their attendance, how they worked on the job, their presentation, interaction with colleagues, and general abilities."

He said most of the volunteers had taken the news well.

"There were one or two who understandably took it a bit harder than the others.

"But it just shows you what a lot of fun being a Bluecoat is and for people who might still have wished to continue in that role when it wasn't going to be there, there's obviously some sadness about that."