NZ a 'ripe target' for terrorist attack

An expert in global terrorism says lax security measures in New Zealand make it a "ripe target" for a terrorist attack.

Self-taught terrorism expert Paul Thompson, who was named in Esquire magazine's 2004 Genius issue, has compiled what is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and detailed record of the events leading up to and following September 11.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald on Sunday from Nelson, where he moved a year ago from San Francisco, the American said he has been surprised by what he said was a lack of security measures in New Zealand. "It seems like New Zealand is still in a bit of a 'pre-9/11' mentality, where most other countries have really toughened up security," he said.

In particular, he said there was a "tremendous" difference in airport security precautions between Australia and New Zealand, with Australia having implemented strict security procedures after the 2002 Bali bombing.

New Zealand, on the other hand, had surprisingly few safeguards against terrorism on international flights, and virtually none on domestic flights. "So I would think it would be as easy as pie to commit a terror act in New Zealand if anybody wanted to."

He said it seemed New Zealanders were naively relying on the country's good reputation and its lack of involvement in "foreign policy intrigues" to protect against terrorism, and would be wise to tighten national security. "If I was a terrorist, I would still think that - internationally or domestically - New Zealand would be a very ripe target."

Aside from the threat of an attack by an organised terroristnetwork, there was also the possibility that terrorism could come in the form of a disgruntled person acting alone.

"It doesn't necessarily take any more than one single deranged individual to potentially kill hundreds of people," he said.

Mr Thompson's "minute-by-minute" chronicle of the events leading up to and following September 11 began as a hobby but became an obsession with an international audience after it was published online then in the book The Terror Timeline by California-based Center for Cooperative Research.

Mr Thompson relies on infor-mation from thousands of mainstream articles, which he finds on the internet or receives fromfellow enthusiasts.

The book is unlikely to be sold in New Zealand because of this country's stringent libel laws, but may become available online.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY