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LequteMan
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New Zealand's Transport Minister, Gerry Brownlee, on Thursday, offered to resign from his post after bypassing domestic airport security checks while rushing to catch a plane back to the capital.
According to a statement, Gerry and two members of his staff had entered the departure gate lounge at Christchurch Airport through a door normally used as an exit, to avoid mandatory x-ray and security checks.
Prime Minister John Key told newsmen that he was disappointed by Brownlee's actions but would not accept his offer to resign.
``While he was obviously in a hurry, lots of people are in a hurry and that is not an excuse.
``He has made a stupid mistake. He has apologised and taken full responsibility, as he should,’’ Key said.
In his apology, Brownlee called his actions ``thoughtless.’’
Report says Brownlee, in his role as Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister, flies frequently between the South Island city of Christchurch, which remains badly damaged after the 2011 earthquakes and Wellington