Lions tour security reviewed
Concert bombing ripples spread to New Zealand.
New Zealand police have confirmed the Manchester terror attack triggered a review of security plans to ensure the safety of the touring British & Irish Lions and their 22,000 fans.
The tragedy, which left 22 people dead after an extremist detonated a suicide bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena as children left an Ariana Grande pop concert on May 22 — came four days before the Lions contingent landed in Auckland.
The attack threw months of planning into urgent review as police and security experts reassessed whether their strategies were sufficient to guard against a potential attack on New Zealand soil.
Police would not reveal tactics, equipment, staffing numbers and other specific details of security measures for “obvious reasons”.
“We have extensive plans and resources in place to deal with a raft of potential contingencies, which involves anticipating all events and risks which could impact on the series, both natural and man-made,” a police spokesman said.
“This includes consideration of the tragic events in Manchester and other incidents like it to help inform our planning.”
Kiwi agencies are also in contact with foreign police in their bid to keep the Lions tour safe. “We also continue to liaise and share information with our international partners, including
“We have extensive plans and resources in place.” Police spokesman
overseas law enforcement agencies,” the spokesman said.
“We can reassure the public and our visitors that we are well-resourced and supported to safely manage this event, working in conjunction with our other partners.”
Former Prime Minister Sir John Key revealed two years ago that 40 people on a watchlist were linked to, or “on the periphery” of the Islamic State (Isis) and were likely to be regularly reading the extremist group’s propaganda.
Key said one or two New Zealanders on a terror watchlist were considered so threatening that were subject to monitoring every minute of the day.
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said the number on the “counter terrorism risk register” remains around 40.
New Zealand security researcher Dr Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor said the risk of a terror attack on New Zealand soil was low.
Sullivan-Taylor, who reviewed the UK’s national security and Civil Contingencies Act for then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, said hosting the Lions tour would help lift New Zealand security standards in general. “The Lions tour exposes New Zealand organisations to international best practice,” she said.