NZ Muslims wary of retaliation, security checks 'to ease' [audio report]

Muslim leaders in New Zealand have warned women wearing the hajib or burqah not to go out alone in case they become targets for retaliation after threats of airline terror attacks.

The Federation of Islamic Associations has told all mosques and Islamic centres to step up security and warned Muslim people to be careful in public.

President Javed Khan said there had been no threats or reports of attacks on Muslims in New Zealand. He said some mosques would engage security firms to keep watch or arrange for people to stay overnight.

"We are just taking some precautions ... Although we are not expecting a backlash as such, there could be one or two people who have different views who might take some action."

Extra security

Luggage restrictions and extra security continue for British and US flights, but Aviation Security Service general manager Mark Everitt said they may be eased today.

He said people would no longer have to remove their shoes for inspection. Travellers leaving New Zealand airports were not required to limit their hand baggage to a plastic bag of minimal items, he said.

US and UK authorities were staying in close contact. "I don't know how long it will go on for," he said.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said it was too early to tell whether higher security costs at airports would lead to higher ticket prices.

"It depends how much longer this will go on. At the end of the day, safety is paramount and cost is secondary to passengers' safety."

Air New Zealand had increased its baggage allowance on affected flights from 23kg to 30kg, to allow for the repacking of cabin luggage, which has a 7kg limit.

She said the airline was handing out amenities kits to passengers affected by the liquids ban, which included personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and lipbalm.

There are about five flights to the US each day from New Zealand, including one to Los Angeles which continues to London. New Zealand passengers have been advised to repack to United Kingdom standards if they have connecting flights in Britain.

Nick Forbes, Auckland Airport's commercial director, said the ban on liquids only had a minimal effect on duty-free sales from shops in the airport because the main market was transtasman passengers.

- Additional reporting: NEWSTALK ZB