Business brisk for tent folk

By Diana MCurdy

Aotea Square is disappearing under a sea of white plastic as contractors erect marquees and temporary walls in preparation for the Apec conference this weekend.

Town and Country owner Brett Bentley said his company had been contracted to set up six marquees throughout the square. Some would be used as security access tents and others would become walkways for delegates.

Security scanners would be placed in the access marquees to check people entering the square, which will be closed until next Tuesday.

Mr Bentley said the PVC marquees were intended to screen delegates from the public rather than provide protection.

His company was putting up 14 structures throughout Auckland, most of them in preparation for the visit of the United States President.

"A lot of the work we're doing is the security side of it for Bill Clinton."

Mr Bentley said it was exciting to be involved with Apec. "It's certainly great for our industry."

It compared favourably with his experiences working for Sweetwaters and the Hero parade.

"It's nice to do something here that's well-funded and is actually happening."