Police go to the experts for hints on Cup protest

The Springbok protests in 1981. Photo / Northern Advocate

Police have been quizzing activists about any protests they may be planning during the Rugby World Cup - and asking them if they would associate with terrorists.

Protest veterans Sue Bradford and John Minto are among those police have spoken to, and the Herald understands they have also been in touch with members of the activist group Coalition for Social Justice.

Unite union organiser Joe Carolan said three "massive lads" in uniform visited the union headquarters last week to ask about about any planned World Cup action.

"It was all fairly amicable ... It would take a lot more to discourage us dirty socialists," Mr Carolan said.

But the officers had also asked a "bizarre" question.

"They asked, 'If any terrorists got in touch with you, would you contact us?' And we just looked at each other.

"Of course we're opposed to terrorism. Everything we do is in the public eye. It was a bizarre question, especially because some people have tried to criminalise legitimate protests."

Hotel and security workers were planning to draw attention to their low wages during the World Cup, but they would not disrupt any games, Mr Carolan said.

Mr Minto, a leading figure in the Springbok tour protests 30 years ago, said he would celebrate the protests' anniversary in a public event two days after the World Cup's opening night, on September 11.

He was not in the habit of liaising with police before planned actions, because getting permits usually also meant restrictions.

"They're just ticking the boxes, I think. There's no particular protest planned around the World Cup, but if an issue arises then people aren't going to pretend nothing's happening."

Ms Bradford, a former Green Party MP, said police phoned her yesterday morning, two weeks after several officers had been to her house.

She was away at the time of the house visit.

"So we just talked on the phone and I said, 'It's nice of you to ring, but at this point I'm not planning anything'. And they said they would be in touch closer to the tournament."

Police spokeswoman Annie Coughlan said the calls were part of normal preparations for a major event.

"We want to know what's happening so we can ensure we have policing resources properly deployed."

Coalition for Social Justice spokesman Meredydd Barrar said this year protest groups were planning "civil disobedience" to disrupt the Rugby World Cup.

"[We] intend to take action during the RWC to alert the world that New Zealand is not as squeaky clean as people might perceive," Mr Barrar said.

Groups were opposed to Government's changes to KiwiSaver, family tax credits and public services, and state asset sales.

Maori activists Titewhai Harawira and Ngaire Te Hira have also said that they plan to use the tournament to "expose" New Zealand's treatment of Maori.