City has mixed feelings about extra disruption

By Chris Daniels

transport reporter

Motorists are confused and downtown retailers frustrated by the news that Apec leaders want to extend their Auckland visits.

In brochures, advertisements and press releases, Apec organisers have said traffic will be most disrupted on the third day of the leaders' summit - Monday, September 13.

Now they have been forced to change their tune, admitting that many leaders will leave Auckland later, leading to rolling street closures on the Tuesday.

Auckland mayor Christine Fletcher said calls to the city council's helpline had soared 50 per cent after news of the Tuesday disruptions appeared in the New Zealand Herald.

"We are flattered that they have decided to stay longer," she said.

"That will cause some disruption. We are looking to mitigate that as much as possible."

The change in plan has resulted from leaders being told it was best to leave late on the Monday.

Many decided instead that it would be better to leave the next day.

Plans to close southbound lanes of the Southern Motorway on the Monday will now be of little use, as eight world leaders will head for the airport later.

Details of traffic disruptions caused by bilateral meetings between Apec leaders, such as US President Bill Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin, are being kept secret by police.

Alex Swney, general manager for downtown business association Heart of the City, said the late notice of Tuesday disruption was disappointing.

"It is most unfortunate to find out at this late stage ... We don't need this in our lives.

"To receive this so late in the piece is going to cost us," he said. "We want to be positive but it is very difficult to get a balanced message out there.

"We find this astounding that they didn't know beforehand."

Mr Swney said Apec was good for New Zealand and retailers, but it was frustrating telling people to come shopping on the Tuesday, only to find that traffic would be disrupted.

Apec organisers are playing down the impact of the leaders' change in plans.

"The motorway won't be closed completely. Instead we will use a 'rolling block' allowing traffic in front and behind the motorcades to move," said the Apec police commander, Detective Superintendent Peter Marshall.

"But this could still cause delays of at least 45 minutes."

Police refused to give details of road closures for the Saturday summit between Mr Clinton and Mr Jiang at Government House in Epsom.

They would not even confirm the venue.

Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett said the extra day of traffic disruption should not be seen as a cost to business.

Shoppers and workers should still come into the city.

Apec visitors were "high net worth" and their decision to stay in Auckland another day should be seen as a chance to earn more money, said Mr Barnett.

"These are people you don't want to leave with too much space left on their credit cards."