VIP gun security excused for 20 years

By Eugene Bingham

Bodyguards protecting some foreign dignitaries have been able to carry guns over the past 20 years, despite its being illegal under New Zealand law.

With Apec looming and the Government moving to change the law to allow arms to be carried for the event, the New Zealand Herald has learned that the police have long turned a blind eye to the practice.

Authorities have created the impression that on previous visits of overseas dignitaries, including the 1995 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, delegations left their weapons at the border.

But the Herald understands that on some occasions, the "no firearms" policy has been read out to visitors, with officials then turning a blind eye.

When the Queen attended Chogm her officers were allowed to carry arms after being sworn in as temporary constables by the Commissioner of Police.

The Herald understands that bodyguards for some American VIPs, going back to the late 1970s, were also made temporary constables.

And it is believed other delegations at Chogm brought handguns into the country without police taking any action.

However, one Commonwealth leader's party was blocked from bringing in an AK-47 assault rifle.

The Ombudsman, Anand Satyanand, has upheld a police decision to refuse to answer questions about policy relating to past security operations on the grounds that the information would be likely to prejudice the maintenance of the law.

But under the Arms Amendment Bill, the commissioner will be able to authorise bodyguards to carry firearms, airguns, pistols or restricted weapons. Most agencies are understood to favour the 9mm semi-automatic Glock-model pistol.

September's Apec meeting, which brings 21 heads of state to Auckland, will be the biggest security event New Zealand has hosted.

The Herald understands that the United Stated made it clear that President Bill Clinton would not come to Apec this year without armed protection. Officials believed the same would be true for other member countries, including Russia, China, and Japan.

The bill is due to be debated by Parliament this month and last week won the backing of Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and trade committee.