[asia-apec 1092] APEC in Christchurch - NZ Press Assn story

[Gatt Watchdog]

 APEC 
ACCELERATED TARIFF CUTS, FEWER TRADE RESTRICTIONS ON APEC MENU
   Christchurch, April 26 NZPA - The Government is pushing for 
accelerated tariff cuts and fewer trade restrictions in Pacific Rim 
countries as host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) 
summit.
   Prime Minister Jenny Shipley used her opening address at Apec's 
ministerial and business meetings in Christchurch today to encourage 
delegates to follow New Zealand's open markets philosophy.
   Mrs Shipley told about 1000 delegates, officials, and media in 
the Town Hall that New Zealand was a small, open economy that did 
not believe in handouts to business.
   ``We don't believe the answer lies in quick fixes or opening up a 
cheque-book for subsidies,'' she said.
   Her remarks came after protest group Gatt Watchdog released a 
Treasury advice paper that warned the Government parts of its agenda 
opposing industry assistance policies and export finance schemes ran 
counter to Apec's conference programme.
   The results of this week's meetings would need to be ``carefully 
managed'', the Treasury advice said.
   Backing up Mrs Shipley, Enterprise and Commerce Minister Max 
Bradford urged an end to obscure and complicated regulations that 
cost business. 
   He said he hoped people would come to view business achievers in 
the same way as sporting heroes.
   In a nod to Apec's doubters, Mr Bradford said broadening support 
for Apec was one of the main themes of New Zealand's year in the 
Apec chair.
   ``Apec must be an open process driven by the needs of people in 
society and worked up in consultation with them,'' he said.
   The delegates have a lot to live up to. Christchurch Mayor Garry 
Moore dubbed the meetings ``one of the most significant events in 
the commercial history of this city''.
   He told the opening ceremony delegates had a huge responsibility 
in shaping the economic future of the region and the well-being of 
its people. He warned them not to forget the effect of their trade 
decisions on indigenous peoples.
   Mr Moore said Christchurch offered delegates some pointers, with 
an unorthodox approach that blended a vibrant economy, a sustainable 
environment, and ``economic and social justice''.
   The potential tourist spin-offs from Apec were not lost on 
organisers. Delegates filed into the Town Hall to the sound of 
native birdsong, while the stage was transformed into a West Coast 
rainforest. An audiovisual presentation showed waterfalls, lakes, 
snow-capped peaks, bungy-jumpers and sheep.
   An enthusiastic powhiri and dance spectacular by a Ngai Tahu 
performance group pinned delegates back in their seats while veteran 
entertainer Sir Howard Morrison joined hands with Mrs Shipley for a 
chorus of Pokarekareana.
   Meanwhile, about 30 people banged drums and blew whistles in an 
orderly but noisy demonstration outside the Christchurch Convention 
Centre during a mayoral reception for Apec delegates last evening.
   Police said the protest was well-behaved and there were no 
arrests.
   NZPA CHP kn reg 
   

26/04/99 20-52NZ


 ENERGY-PYLONS (carried earlier)
PAKEHA FARMERS BLAMED FOR PYLON SABOTAGE
   Christchurch, April 26 - Treaty activist and lawyer Annette Sykes 
has saluted the ``Pakeha farmers'' she believes are sabotaging power 
pylons.
   Attending an anti-Apec briefing in Christchurch Ms Sykes, of 
Ngati Pikiao, said it was Maori custom to pay respect to others' 
efforts when visiting another locality.
   She also saluted the Wild Greens group who destroyed an 
experimental potato crop at Lincoln recently.
   ``I salute anyone who takes action against injustice,'' she said.
   ``Genetic engineering is not good for the future of society and 
the privatisation (of electricity assets) is not good for the 
country.''
   Asked how she knew Pakeha farmers were responsible for the 
damage, Ms Sykes said she assumed it was farmers because the pylons 
were on farmland.
   The damage was a protest by farmers at the way the Government had 
alienated public assets, she said.
   Although the pylons were still owned by the Government through 
the State-owned enterprise Transpower, they had been ``privatised'' 
because they were no longer owned by a public body, she said.
   A special police squad has been set up to investigate damage to 
about nine power pylons between Benmore and Cook Strait. Most of the 
sabotaged pylons are situated in the Canterbury area. The sabotage 
started in June last year.
   Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa spokesman Bill 
Rosenburg said the connection that appeared to be drawn between the 
pylon damage and anti-Apec activities showed the security hysteria 
such events generated.
   NZPA CHP reg