Pupils put on a show for spouses

While Apec trade ministers were meeting today's leaders, their spouses were meeting those of tomorrow at an Auckland high school.

Eight partners, most from Asian countries, were greeted at Penrose High School in a powhiri by a taiaha-wielding kapa haka group as about 10 police and security staff stood by.

The organiser of the spouses' programme for Apec, Joe Walker, said the visit was designed to show the visitors what life was like for the ordinary New Zealander.

"The whole basis of the programme is not just a shopping spree. It's educational.

"A lot of these women who are coming with the ministers and the leaders are highly qualified people in their own right. The programme is based around giving them a snapshot of New Zealand and its various lifestyles."

Rowena Severino, wife of Rodolfo Severino, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said the school visit showed how the Government impacted on this country's culture.

"It is good for the Apec organisers to involve the youth and the students. They may not be the ministers now, but they are the leaders of the future."

Acting principal John Good said it was an honour to be chosen for the visit and the school's diverse cultural makeup reflected the unity of Apec.

A kapa haka performer, Hayden Campbell, aged 13, said it was "pretty cool" to be involved in Apec and be able to show the visitors what New Zealand had to offer.

Others were less impressed.

"It's all right. But we thought Hillary Clinton was coming," said James Para, aged 14.

The spouses later had lunch in Devonport and then visited the Orakei home of arts patron Jenny Gibbs to view her private collection.