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A “well-advanced” security operation is underway ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s New Zealand visit, with specialist police staff being flown into Auckland from around the country.
The visit, by one of the world’s most high-profile leaders, will be “saturated with assets”, including armed diplomatic protection personnel and sniffer dogs to sweep rooms and accommodation for potential explosives, a security expert told the Herald.
Modi is scheduled to touch down in Auckland on Friday for his first official visit, and depart Saturday.
Police operation commander Inspector Grae Anderson said additional support from specialist groups was being deployed, including public order teams from across the country.
“These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur.”
Global Risk Consulting Group managing director Chris Kumeroa said authorities kept public security plans broad, so people weren’t able to search for “vulnerabilities”.
The former NZSAS trooper said they could also use a “show of force” to demonstrate a physical security presence and manage risks.
The effort, led by police, would look at groups that had indicated online – or in person – to have a discomfort or distaste for Modi and his political group.
“That sort of gives you a digital footprint geographically, and then the fact that his visit is quite narrow, in terms of time on the ground, is healthy.”
He referenced a security case study the agency undertook at Waitangi this year. It included building a map showing risk layers and choke points, as well as the different security measures and crowd management needed.
Something similar would likely have been applied for Modi’s visit, Kumeroa said.
A police staffer on the scene said it was a training exercise for an upcoming VIP event.
When President Barack Obama visited in 2018, police were tight-lipped on security plans.
“New Zealand police has extensive experience of policing visits by a wide range of high-profile individuals, however, we do not discuss specific security matters regarding those individuals,” a spokesman said at the time.
Modi’s arrival comes amid Government infighting over the free trade deal with India, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters alleging National ministers were “covertly” tightening immigration settings for Indians.
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki also made incendiary social media comments last month, accusing Modi of targeting Indian Christians with threats and violence.
“I think we should reciprocate in kind. Let’s purge New Zealand of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims,” Tamaki said.
“And, while we’re at it, if they’re burning churches down, why don’t we burn mosques and their temples down? Tit for tat.”
Tamaki was served a “temporary firearms licence suspension notice” last month by police and had several hunting weapons confiscated.
The police operation at Tamaki’s home followed his reference on a podcast to using a shotgun to protect his family from immigrants.
Tamaki told the Herald he was speaking figuratively.
‘Historic event’
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast that Modi’s visit would be a “historic event”.
Luxon said Modi would arrive late on Friday, with formal bilateral meetings on Saturday.
Then around midday, a live forum would be held to showcase six or seven business sectors “that are of interest to India”, followed by a celebration lunch.
“He’s really interested in sport because they want to host the Olympics ultimately in 2036 and the Commonwealth Games. And of course India hasn’t performed as well in the Olympics as it possibly could have,” Luxon said.
Modi’s visit will end with a “massive community event” on Saturday that thousands of local Kiwi Indians are expected to attend.
Given the significance and mechanics of the visit, Luxon said there was no doubt there would be a “very significant police security presence”.
Last week, Luxon said the visit was “historic”, noting it was the first time in 40 years an Indian PM had come to New Zealand.
Luxon also pointed to the free trade deal, which he had promised to achieve within his first term – a commitment that had been doubted by many commentators.
“We are taking the two countries’ relationship to the next level with our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April, which will deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth for New Zealand.”
Luxon said he expected to discuss several topics with Modi, including “trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport and global issues”.
“We will also be celebrating the people-to-people connections between our two countries, with Kiwi-Indians comprising around 6% of New Zealand’s population and making a significant contribution to our country.”