[asia-apec 1089] APEC in Christchurch

[Gatt Watchdog]

 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