[asia-apec 1231] NZ Press Association story - APEC 99

[Gatt Watchdog]

 APEC-POLICE (pic avail ex ROP)
POLICE DEAL WITH JOURNOS, PROTESTERS, IN APEC EXERCISE
   (Pic avail ex ROP)
   Rotorua, June 23 - Rotorua and Taupo police had to deal with 
muck-raking tabloid journalists and furious women's rights 
protesters yesterday. 
   The police officers were training for September's Apec (Asia 
Pacific Economic Co-operation) meeting, when world leaders including 
United States President Bill Clinton will visit New Zealand.
   The pretend Prime Minister of Sunland, the Rt Hon Gary Sullivan 
(played by himself), was escorted around Rotorua yesterday with his 
partner Glenn Anderson (also played by herself) by a fleet of seven 
police vehicles.
   According to the scenario, the prime minister was a popular 
leader in his country. However, his marriage break up last year and 
his relationship with former socialite and celebrity gossip 
columnist, Ms Anderson, had made him the target of tabloid press.
   When arriving at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute 
the guests were set upon by a group of tabloid journalists (played 
by Rotorua Daily Post reporters) armed with cameras and probing 
questions.
   Later in the morning while visiting the Rotorua Museum of Art and 
History, the ``dignitaries'' were confronted by protesters (played 
by non-sworn police staff) representing WANG -- Women Against 
Naughty Guys.
   Delegation Security Commander Inspector Paul Vlaanderen of the 
Taupo police said the group would be responsible for one dignitary 
for two weeks during Apec.
   NZPA ROP mh
   
  


23/06/99 16-48NZ


 APEC-POLICE-2-ROTORUA (reopens h9734)

   Policing throughout New Zealand won't suffer as a result of 2500 
police being needed for the Apec leaders summit in Auckland later 
this year, Police Minister Clem Simich said today.
   Mr Simich said while the summit in September required police from 
other areas to be relocated to Auckland, that wouldn't leave gaps 
elsewhere.
   All police leave had been cancelled to accommodate the summit, 
while it had been decided not to schedule most defended court cases 
in the main centres during the period while Apec was on, so as not 
to have officers tied up in court.
   NZPA PAR tw rap 
   

23/06/99 17-45NZ