[asia-apec 1089] APEC in Christchurch
Gatt Watchdog
gattwd at corso.ch.planet.gen.nz
Mon Apr 26 16:30:10 JST 1999
APEC-CHRISTCHURCH
APEC DELEGATES START TO ARRIVE IN CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch, April 25, NZPA - The Apec roadshow rolls into
Christchurch tomorrow.
About 1000 people, including 19 ministers from around the
Pacific, are expected for 10 days of meetings.
Ministers, heads of economies, Apec secretariat and South Pacific
Forum heads will be met at Christchurch Airport tomorrow by a fleet
of 24 limousines.
The VIPs will be driven by army drivers in civilian clothing. Deputy
secretary of commerce Leith Comer said the drivers would not be
armed.
No delegate had requested to bring armed bodyguards, as all were
happy with New Zealand police security arrangements.
Other delegates will make their own way to the city centre,
although there will be a reception centre at the airport.
Christchurch drivers would not be inconvenienced and no roads
would be closed, Mr Comer said.
Security will be low key for the week, although The Press
understands the elite military Special Air Service squad will be in
Christchurch during the meetings.
Mr Comer said a ``small army'' of liaison officers, officials,
drivers, and school children performing at tomorrow's opening had
been fully briefed by commerce staff.
Organiser Tanya O'Malley said despite a hectic few days and many
last-minute registrations, Christchurch was ready to host the Apec
meetings. Formal proceedings would begin at 3pm with a powhiri by
Ngai Tahu followed by addresses by Prime Minister Jenny Shipley and
Enterprise and Commerce Minister Max Bradford.
Christchurch mayor Garry Moore will host a cocktail function for
Apec guests.
The Minister of Business Development, Peter McCardle, and the
Minister of Maori Development, Tau Henare, will also attend the
conference.
Ms O'Malley said a partners' programme hosted by Mr Bradford's wife
Rosemary and Mr Moore's wife Pam Sharpe would take participants to
Hanmer and Akaroa.
NZPA CHP lb
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