Newspaper's fake 'terrorists' infuriate Police Minister

Police Minister Judith Collins turned her wrath on the Sunday Star-Times newspaper today, for sending "terrorists'' to Super 14 rugby games in a supposed bid to test security ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

The newspaper sent people masquerading as terrorists to rugby matches in Hamilton and Christchurch last weekend, with at least one carrying a fake bomb.

It was apparently an attempt to test World Cup security, but Ms Collins wasn't having that as any excuse.

It was ridiculous to expect Super 14 games to have terrorist-level security, and New Zealanders wouldn't want it, she said.

"I don't know what was going through their silly heads but I have to say that they put other people at risk and for that they should be very sorry,'' she said.

"The actions are unbelievably stupid and irresponsible. This stunt had the potential to result in games being called off and stadiums evacuated.''

There could also have been a risk to spectator safety, she said.

"Common sense would tell you that running around a stadium dressed as a bomber has the potential to end very badly.

"If there had been panic there was the very real possibility that people - particularly the elderly, children and those less mobile - could have been hurt.''

Sunday Star-Times managing editor Mitchell Murphy told the stuff.co.nz website Ms Collins had "grossly'' overstated the paper's actions.

She had not checked her information with the paper before launching her attack, he said.

Saying the Sunday Star-Times organised for groups of people dressed as terrorists to infiltrate stadiums was "completely false", he said.

The newspaper had sent reporters to carry out the investigation. One had false explosives, but carried a letter outlining the investigation, in case he was stopped.

"Our investigation, which is a matter of significant public interest, was well planned and carefully considered,'' he said.  "We sought legal advice prior to commencing our investigation and the journalists involved worked under strict protocols.''

Mr Murphy said the public was at no stage put at risk and the newspaper did not break the law. That was confirmed today by police.

Fairfax website stuff.co.nz said it understood the Sunday Star-Times organised groups of people dressed as terrorists who were supposed to infiltrate restricted areas at the matches.

"The stunt is believed to have been an effort to test security for the Rugby World cup 2011,'' the website said.

Police spokesman Jon Neilson said national headquarters was aware of the incidents, but it did not seem any offences had been committed.

Police had spoken to Mitchell and Ms Collins said they were taking the matter very seriously.

A spokesman for Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, which is responsible for security at the World Cup, declined to comment on the newspaper's action.

"All I can say is we have been working with the police and other government agencies for the past two years to ensure the event next year is a safe and secure one,'' he said.