Twyford fined $500 for breach

The Civil Aviation Authority fined Transport Minister Phil Twyford $500 for using his phone after a plane’s doors closed.

Twyford has unreservedly apologised and will pay the fine.

His ministerial responsibility for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also been reinstated, after Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern discussed the matter over the weekend.

Twyford was caught in the act back in May by a member of the public, who then passed the information on to National’s housing spokeswoman, Judith Collins.

Collins lodged a written question concerning the issue in the House, which caused Twyford to apologise and offer his resignation.

That offer was not accepted but his responsibility for the CAA was handed over to Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter.

‘‘Mr Twyford stopped using his phone before the aircraft took off so his actions did not pose a significant risk to the flight,’’ the authority said.

‘‘Nevertheless he did breach the rule, has been issued an infringement notice and is required to pay a $500 infringement fine.’’

Twyford said yesterday that he would pay before the close of business. ‘‘I reiterate my unreserved apology for using my phone after the aircraft doors had shut in preparation for take-off.

‘‘This is inappropriate for anyone but particularly inappropriate for me as transport minister.’’