A Motueka man remained protesting up a Richmond tree today as the Human Rights Commission sought a meeting with airlines over their decision not to allow men to sit next to unaccompanied children.
Kevin Gill camped on top of the 10m-high Otterson gum tree stump in Queen St, Richmond, last night in a bid to reverse the “discriminatory” policy.
Mr Gill, having pledged to remain up the tree until something is done, said the commission’s involvement hadn’t persuaded him to move.
He had been told to expect a phone call from Air New Zealand management this morning and hoped this would be news of the policy being dumped.
“I’m prepared to stay up here as long as it takes.”
Men were being treated as demons because of the minority who abused children, he said.
“What’s going to be next. Are men not going to be allowed to sit next to boys on buses, trains and sports venues. It could just be the edge of the wedge.”
Nelson fathering advocate Philip Chapman said the policy demonised good men.
“The message to children is we’re just not safe, full stop.”
If it was accepted as being okay, the policy could be applied to all forms of transport such as buses, trains and taxis, he said.
An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said no one was available to comment.
Bronwyn Huband
