MPs get ID cards for foreshore hearing amid security fears

By RUTH BERRY

MPs on Parliament's foreshore select committee have been issued identity cards after a "security issue" alert at Alexandra Park Raceway where they will hear submissions today and tomorrow.

But committee chairman Russell Fairbrother has rejected suggestions of a security risk or threat, saying the warning related to rumours a large crowd may turn up.

Speaker Jonathan Hunt is understood to have told the Labour caucus there was an issue yesterday and an email was circulated.

It stated: "This morning we have been alerted to a security issue at Alexandra Park Raceway. DPS [the Diplomatic Protection Squad] have requested that all Members have ID on them for easy identification."

A DPS spokesman would neither confirm nor deny that threats had been made, but said the squad would not be present.

"Auckland police have got it in hand," he said.

Auckland police inspector Darrock Todd said he was unaware of any security issues.

Mr Fairbrother said staff had been told a large presence was likely, but he did not believe concerns had been raised about the safety of committee members and he had none.

"I have detected no hostility whatsoever. Some submitters have expressed concerns about being invited along at short notice but they have still been hugely polite. The committee has been treated with considerable courtesy."

Asked if the police would be present, he said: "There is security everywhere we sit."

National MP Wayne Mapp said committee members were given the identity cards yesterday.

Auckland District Maori Council head Titewhai Harawira rebuffed any chance of a security threat.

She suggested the idea might have been promulgated by committee members who were reluctant to hold hearings out of Wellington and looking for excuses.

Mrs Harawira said the police contacted her and invited her to have a cup of tea with them yesterday but she declined the invitation.

The committee has angered opponents to the foreshore bill by holding hearings only in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.