The cost to the taxpayer of the inquiry into former Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee deliberately breaching security at Christchurch Airport is $43,550, according to New Zealand First leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

'The Minister barged through a door just because he was running late. While he apologised, he should pay the bill for the investigation into this serious matter,” says Peters.

'After all, airport security grew out of terrorist attacks at airports. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable, arrogant and shocking especially in a time when the world faces threats of isolated but growing numbers of terrorism incidents.

'He was carried away, believing as a Minister he was above the law.

'It was a resignation offence but the Prime Minister wouldn't let him go, not sure why, he was failing with his Transport portfolio and he's not popular in earthquake-hit Christchurch as Rebuild Minister.

'All Mr Brownlee got for his action in July last year was a $2000 fine.

'Civil Aviation investigated the breach, no doubt to stop it happening again, with costs of $43,550.''