THE OFFICE OF HON MURRAY MCCULLY MP

MINISTER OF SPORT, FITNESS AND LEISURE

PRESS RELEASE

MONDAY 28 JUNE 1999

The Auckland region is to receive over $1.9 million (including gst) from the
Government as a contribution towards the extra costs of hosting the APEC
conference.

Announcing the decision today after the launch of the Auckland City Millennium
Events programme, Millennium Minister Murray McCully and Auckland Mayor Chris
Fletcher said the contribution was the result of extensive discussions between
the Prime Minister, Government officials, and the Mayor of Auckland and her
officials.

Auckland City is to receive $1,793,000 and Manukau City $113,000, which will
contribute towards the cost of improvements to the Domain where the APEC Leaders
retreat will be held, additional cleaning and graffiti removal, beautification
of the central business area, flags, banners, media hosting and additional
council staff costs.

Mr McCully said the Government recognised that there were some specific
additional costs associated with hosting APEC.

"Thorough discussions and consultation have enabled us to identify those costs
which could not fairly lie with Auckland ratepayers. The Cabinet has agreed
this morning to make these specific contributions to APEC costs, in addition to
the services being purchased in Auckland by the APEC taskforce.

"During the APEC conference, Auckland will provide our window to the world.
While Government has substantial funding for the APEC taskforce, it is important
that we take the additional steps which will leave our visitors with the most
positive impression of our country and our largest city".

ENDS

© Scoop Media