Free Travel For Partners (Press, 27 February 1988)

On 27 February 1988, it was announced that Auckland Regional Authority (A.R.A.) bus drivers would now be eligible for free travel passes for their partners, including same-sex partners. This decision came after a recommendation from a staff committee, which stated that any driver could nominate a person for an “associate’s pass.” The only requirement was that the driver had to be employed by the A.R.A. for a minimum of three months. This policy change marks a significant shift from the previous year's decision when a lesbian bus driver was denied a free travel pass for her partner, leading to widespread criticism. The Auckland Tramways’ Union subsequently filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, claiming that the A.R.A. was discriminating against homosexual employees. While married and de facto partners of drivers previously received free passes, the committee was informed by legal advisers that the existing “spouse’s pass” was unlawful due to its discriminatory nature against single and same-sex partners. Mr Hiwi Tauroa, the committee’s chairman, expressed relief at the resolution of the issue, stating that it was not the authority's role to impose a moral standard on its employees. Mr Bob Masefield, the secretary of the Tramways’ Union, noted that the implementation of the “associate’s pass” would positively impact approximately 200 unmarried drivers and praised the term as “inoffensive and nonsexist.” This decision reflects a progressive step towards inclusivity in the workplace.

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