Auckland Transport says it’s disappointed in a security guard’s “totally unacceptable” homophobic and racist rant at Sylvia Park Train Station yesterday, and is contacting the security firm he works for to make its concerns clear. Wellingtonian Peter Kelly tells GayNZ.com Daily News the outburst came during a conversation the security guard was having with an older couple at Sylvia Park station just after 5PM yesterday. “The lady said she didn't feel safe in Auckland anymore, to which the security guard replied for all at the station to hear – ‘it's all the Maoris and Pacific Islanders - not the Kiwis - they cause all the problems - I don't like the Maoris or Pacific Islanders, just the Kiwis, and I hate two groups of people - South Aucklanders and homosexuals - I hate homosexuals!’” Kelly says the security guard’s comments were interrupted by the arrival of the train to Britomart, which he boarded. The Irish expat, who was once one of just two out politicians in Ireland, says after five minutes on the train he was fuming. “His actions were totally inappropriate, disgraceful, intimidating, oppressive and threatening … not what should be expected from someone supposedly in a responsible position providing security for patrons of a public rail network.” He resolved to make a complaint at the Customer Service Desk at Britomart. “I queued up and shortly after spoke to a nice lady - I outlined my concerns about the actions of the security guard - she said they don't take complaints - and the security is not operated by them so I reiterated my concerns and she said I could fill out a feedback form and I'd get an acknowledgement in 7-9 working days - alternatively I could do it online and expect a similar response time. “I said this was totally unacceptable and she apologised but said there was nothing further she could do.” After being contacted by GayNZ.com Daily News, Auckland Transport says it’s getting in touch with Kelly immediately. It says the security guard’s comments are “totally unacceptable” and “disappointing” and it will call his employer Armourguard immediately to discuss the situation. Kelly says he doesn’t have an issue with the security guard holding personal views, “but I have a huge issue with him airing them on a train platform where he’s in a position of responsibility. He’s effectively providing the security for the train station. That’s my big beef.” He is concerned the security company may not have provided employees with any kind of sensitivity or diversity training. “If that’s the case then they should be pulling all these guys off the platform.” Auckland Transport says any disciplinary action is up to security firm. It says it would expect Armourguard staff would have had some sort of diversity training. GayNZ.com is contacting Armourguard to see what action it might take.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 15th January 2015 - 11:42am