Engineers convention shifts from Hong Kong to Rotorua to avoid Sars

Global fear over Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) has forced a major convention to shift from Hong Kong to Rotorua.

More than 100 delegates from about 22 countries will attend the week-long meeting, organised by the Institution of Professional Engineers.

Chief executive Andrew Cleland said the gathering would be a "different and unusual" event for Rotorua, boosting the economy at a time when there had been a downturn in visitor numbers.

Rotorua was chosen because it was close to Auckland and had many activities to offer in winter, he said. New Zealand had been scheduled to host the 2005 meeting, but that will now be held in Hong Kong.

Herald Feature: SARS

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- NZPA