Kiwis jump to our aid with K16 million Apec assistance

By HELEN TARAWA
THE New Zealand government’s assistance to Papua New Guinea’s preparation for Apec 2018 is around K16 million (NZ$7m), according to High Commissioner Sue Mackwell.
Mackwell told The National that it involved mostly training.
“We will adapt and change training as we go forward as to what’s needed,” she said.
“We are looking at about five sessions between now and September or October next year.”
She said NZ police would also be helping out.
“New Zealand police officers will work alongside the Australian Federal Police and PNG Constabulary, close protection officers, water police, intelligence, communications and traffic,” she said.
Mackwell said a senior officer from New Zealand would be joining the Joint Security Task Force.
New Zealand’s support will also include the Apec Business Advisory Council in Papua New Guinea.
About K300,000 has been allocated for a chief operating officer to work with the council over the next 14 months.
“We’re responding to requests from PNG for assistance and we are very happy to help,” she said.
Meanwhile, the first of the four training programmes for protocol and liaison officers was launched at the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby yesterday.
Mackwell told the 40 officers that the New Zealand government was proud to support Papua New Guinea in relation to Apec 2018.