Lions tour carries terror risk - English

Prime Minister Bill English has sent a poignant message to the victims of Manchester, saying New Zealand ‘‘opens its heart’’ to Britain, signing off with the wish that ‘‘their children rest in peace’’.

English, Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee and Opposition leader Andrew Little were the first to sign a condolence book for the victims of the Ariana Grande concert terror attack in Manchester.

But as the horror of the attack continues to unfold, New Zealand’s thoughts are already turning to the upcoming Lions rugby tour, and whether there will need to be an increase in security.

After its worst terrorist attack for 12 years, Britain has raised the terror threat to the highest possible level, from severe to critical, meaning an attack is expected ‘‘imminently’’.

Twenty-two people, including children, were killed while attending an Ariana Grande music concert in Manchester on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, English said there had been no change to the terror status in New Zealand and there were no indications of a threat here.

But events in Britain would likely impact on security arrangements for the Lions tour, given that security would likely be ‘‘top of mind’’ for British people travelling to attend.

‘‘We have a team of people who are pretty experienced and I’m absolutely sure they will be taking into account these events, if only because so many of the fans who are coming here are coming from the UK so we want to provide reassurance the security arrangements are sensible and people can be safe.’’

English said New Zealand could assure British fans the risks of an attack were being monitored constantly.

‘‘We have a strong focus on public safety; there’s no evidence of heightened risk of attack in New Zealand or around the Lions tour but we will remain vigilant.’’

Labour leader Andrew Little said he sent his sympathy and wishes that ‘‘through solidarity and compassion we will get through these dark times and strive for a peaceful and beautiful world’’.

Little said New Zealand could never rule out that events like the Lions tour would be a target.

‘‘So we have to make sure we are up to scratch our vigilance and security services and make sure people are safe.’’

Employer acted illegally

A Northland petrol station has been ordered to pay $28,500 for committing serious breaches of employment law, following a Labour Inspectorate Investigation. The investigation found that IXL Petroleum and Gas Ltd, trading as a G.A.S station franchise situated on State Highway 1 in Ruakaka, breached their obligation to pay at least the minimum wage, correct holiday pay, and to have made unlawful deductions. The Employment Relations Authority issued a $14,000 penalty to the company, on top of the $14,500 in arrears which have been paid to four employees. ’’One staff member regularly had their wages deducted – with the employer paying them for 20 hours per week, despite their own records showing the employee worked significantly longer hours. Another employee reported being charged for customer driveoffs and the employer seeking a premium in exchange for supporting their visa – both of which are illegal.’’

Hunter search stops

Searchers have stopped looking for a Swedish hunter missing on the West Coast after failing to find any sign of him since Saturday. Hans Christian Tornmarck, 27, went hunting alone in the Karangarua Valley, south of Fox Glacier, on May 12 and was due out on May 17. He has not been seen since. His sleeping bag and tent were found on May 20. West Coast area commander Inspector Mel Aitken said yesterday that search teams had left the area until further leads came to light.

Cathedral impasse broken

Labour, Greens and National have united to break the deadlock over the Christ Church Cathedral. Labour and Green MPs say Christchurch Regeneration Minister Nicky Wagner has agreed to set up a cross-party initiative to break the deadlock on the cathedral. Wagner was not available for comment. The earthquakedamaged cathedral has been sitting derelict in central Christchurch for more than six years. The Anglican synod will vote in September on whether to accept a government funding deal to restore the building or to demolish the cathedral and build a modern replacement.

Blasphemy laws stay

Parliament had the opportunity to remove decades-old anti-blasphemy laws but bailed out on Tuesday night. Labour MP Chris Hipkins introduced an amendment to remove antiblasphemy laws but both the National Party and the Maori Party voted against throwing it out of the Crimes Act. The Government wanted to go through the process of a select committee hearing and give the public the opportunity to submit on the potential law change. The intention was to include the blasphemy law in the next Crimes Act Amendment Bill, which is being worked on but has no specific timeframe. Blasphemy remains an offence in New Zealand punishable by up to 12 months’ jail.