Santa joins critics of airlines' seating policy

The flak continued today over the decision by Air New Zealand and Qantas not to seat men next to unaccompanied children.

The consensus from critics is that the ruling is political correctness gone mad.

However, the airlines say their rules reflect the concerns of parents, as well as child safety issues.

Stratford Primary School principal Kelvin Squire said the chronic shortage of male teachers could be blamed on a society that automatically questioned the motives of men who wanted to teach children.

"Our children deserve, require, and in fact demand a better gender balance in their lives," he told National Radio today.

"The sad reality is that decisions such as that just made by Air New Zealand and Qantas is driving men further away."

Acting Human Rights Commissioner Joris de Bres said that the airlines could be in breach of the Human Rights Act for unlawful discrimination of.

That Very Important Frequent Flyer, Santa Claus, has also joined the critics.

Rotorua insurance broker -- and occasional Santa -- Ken Thompson said he would be insulted if he was asked to move seats and said the policy suggested all male passengers were potential sex offenders.

Mr Thompson said airline staff were trained to look for suspicious body language and if uneasy about someone's behaviour, they should move a child without saying anything to other passengers.

Meanwhile, Mr Thompson said he'd never had any parents taking issue with children sitting on his knee when he dressed up as Santa at Christmas functions.

Celia Lashlie, author of He'll Be OK: Growing Gorgeous Boys Into Good Men, and the Good Man Project, told NZPA she had "never heard so much nonsense in my life" as the Qantas and Air New Zealand policy.

Ms Lashlie, who previously had 15 years working in New Zealand's prison service, said it was entirely appropriate for men and women, to speak to children on planes.

"They're painting the picture that planes are full of potential paedophiles.

"My picture is that aeroplanes are full of good men moving up and down the country and there is a wonderful opportunity there," she said.

"New Zealand as a culture is starting to hide behind political correctness in order not to have to demonstrate moral courage and integrity."

That sentiment was echoed by Dunedin-based clinical psychologist Nigel Latta.

"It's insane. It's political correctness and cautiousness gone mad."


Air New Zealand spokesman David Jamieson said today the airline had no intention of reviewing its decision.


He told NZPA that the policy had been in place for many years and was in line with international best practice.


"It was "virtually standard practice" with airlines around the world, he said.


The airline made "no apology for the policy", he said.


Meanwhile, a treetop demonstration is being staged by a man near Nelson who is unhappy at the airlines' stance.

Kevin Gill has gone up a tree in Richmond, in protest at the policy by Qantas and Air New Zealand.

He says it was a struggle for him, as he is a double amputee and has a fear of heights.

He says he will not come down until the airlines agree to review their policies.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB