Security measures will handle anti-nuclear protests at America's Cup

by Official America Cup site on 29 Jun 2002 Security planning around the America's Cup in Auckland is under review to ensure that anti-nuclear protesters will not disrupt the running of the event.

This follows the scenes in France recently when the formal launching of the Le Defi Areva yacht, FRA-69, had to be abandoned because of the actions of Greenpeace protesters. The yacht was damaged when a Greenpeace protest boat struck it amidships.

The New Zealand Government is in a tricky situation as far as the French syndicate's sponsorship is concerned. New Zealand has a formal anti-nuclear policy and, in some respects, has been a world leader in the anti-nuclear campaign. The policy extends to nuclear powers, as well as nuclear weapons.

The Government, therefore, has to steer a course between allowing peaceful protests in a cause, which is, in fact, national policy, and any action that might endanger or disrupt a major sporting event, which also has strong Government support.

Trevor Mallard, Minister for the America's Cup said it was important for New Zealand to be seen as a place where peaceful protests were allowed, but illegal protests were not.

Mallard identifies closely with the anti-nuclear position and was on board the Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior, the night before it was sunk by French saboteurs in Auckland harbour.

He said measures were being investigated to handle any situations that might arise around the French syndicate. Experience gained in handling the security aspects of the Apec conference shortly after the last America's Cup would be applied.