The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which runs Avsec, said the explosives include imitation explosives like novelty key rings or grenade-shaped cups.

“Blunt weapons” were most often tools, or recreational items such as cricket bats, or souvenirs like the traditional simple Māori – a one-handed, teardrop-shaped weapon, usually made of greenstone.

Between December and January, an average of 897 items were removed each month from passengers boarding airlines in New Zealand.

In December, 75 firearms were seized by Avsec agents. Forty-seven were toy guns, 23 were gun parts such as rifle bolts, and four working rifles and one pistol were also seized.

In addition, thousands of batteries, flammable items, gas cylinders or chemicals classified as dangerous goods are seized each month.

A CAA spokesperson said there was no evidence that the prohibited items taken on board the planes were for malicious purposes.

“Every day, passengers attempt to travel with prohibited items, often unintentionally, the majority involving low-risk materials. However, our frontline officers regularly encounter higher risk objects, underscoring the essential work we do to keep air travel safe.

Decision to privatize air security ‘deeply concerning’

Tuesday, the Herald revealed that Transport Minister Simeon Brown is exploring the possibility of outsourcing Avsec functions to airports, airlines or private security, which the E tū union called “deeply concerning”.

Brown sought input from airports and airlines in hopes of reducing costs and long lines.

E tū represents up to 300 aviation security staff and its negotiations specialist, Michael Wood, said the idea of ​​privatization was dangerous.

“Avsec’s work is too important to be entrusted to commercial operators. Aviation safety is one of the most critical elements of the security of our entire transportation system, and privatization risks weakening it,” he said.

He believes that asking airlines to provide security could undermine the thoroughness of the passenger screening process.

“While our airlines are committed to safety, the rigor of screening processes would be in direct conflict with their goal of getting people on planes as quickly as possible.”

His comments were backed up by a submission on the privatization plan of another union that represents Avsec workers, the National Union of Civil Servants (Nupe).

In his submission, Nupe organizer Quentin Findlay said outsourcing Avsec’s work would “lower security standards” and impact New Zealand’s reputation.

A current Avsec employee cited in the brief also thought the idea was high risk.

“Airlines want to leave on time and not pay more to be stuck at airports due to delays. Imagine them checking bags and providing security when a flight has to take off or passengers are late. Are they speeding up the process by cutting corners? To me, that’s asking for trouble.

Findlay said airlines were often to blame for queues because they did not ensure passengers met the 7kg carry-on baggage limit and larger bags took longer to scan and assess.

“Air New Zealand is a frequent offender in this area, while Jetstar checks baggage weight more systematically,” he said.

Air New Zealand’s head of operational integrity and security, Captain David Morgan, has accepted that some customers are “pushing the upper limits” when it comes to carry-on baggage.

Morgan, who supports the idea of ​​having a questionable airline security model, said bulky and cumbersome luggage delays boarding and disembarkation with reduced overhead bin space.

“Our airport teams are ensuring this and, if necessary, will ask customers whose baggage exceeds the limits to check their baggage.”

In Australia, security is managed by airports and private security providers.

But Finlay pointed out there were inconsistencies in the application of security measures and outcomes in Australia, as well as multiple controversies, including allegations of corruption.

“One of the major concerns with the Australian system is the lack of a centralized approach, particularly in relation to the processing cost per passenger. Airports charge varying fees, leading to accusations of monopolization and price gouging,” he said.

Michael Morrah is a senior investigative reporter/team leader at Herald. He won Best Coverage of a Major News Event at the 2024 Voyager NZ Media Awards and was twice named Journalist of the Year. He has been an audiovisual journalist for 20 years and joined the The herald video team in July 2024.