Newspaper defends fake terror stunt

Judith Collins. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Police Minister Judith Collins has come under fire after she turned her wrath on the Sunday Star-Times newspaper today, for sending "terrorists" to Super 14 rugby games in a supposed bid to test security ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

"I find it hard to believe how any responsible newspaper editor would think that was a useful action to undertake for the sake of a story," she said today.

"For the sake of a silly newspaper stunt, they have put other people at risk because of what would have happened if one of them had been discovered."

Sunday Star-Times managing editor Mitchell Murphy told the Stuff website Ms Collins had "grossly" overstated the paper's actions.

She had not checked her information with the paper before launching her attack, he said.

Saying the Sunday Star-Times organised for groups of people dressed as terrorists to infiltrate stadiums was "completely false", he said.

The newspaper had sent reporters to carry out the investigation. One had false explosives, but carried a letter outlining the investigation, in case he was stopped.

"Our investigation, which is a matter of significant public interest, was well planned and carefully considered," he said.

"We sought legal advice prior to commencing our investigation and the journalists involved worked under strict protocols."

Mr Murphy said the public was at no stage put at risk and the newspaper did not break the law - which has been confirmed today by police.

"The stunt is believed to have been an effort to test security for the Rugby World cup 2011," the Stuff website said.

Police spokesman Jon Neilson said national headquarters was aware of the incidents, but it did not seem any offences had been committed.

Police had spoken to Mitchell and Ms Collins said they were taking the matter very seriously.

- NZPA