Blockade forces change of plan for NZ delegation in Tahiti

PAPEETE - A blockade of a Papeete road bridge by striking workers prevented New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff from making a scheduled visit to Tahiti's port.

The wild cat action in the capital of Tahiti prompted speculation its timing was aimed to embarrass the new Government of French Polynesia in front of an overseas dignitary.

The Polynesian Intervention Group (GIP) parked trucks across the Motuga Bridge, the only access to the capital's main port, on Thursday night (NZT).

Mr Goff, who was heading a delegation of New Zealanders to French territories in the Pacific this week, was due to visit the port on Friday morning.

Consul-general to French Polynesia Belinda Brown told the business people on the trip "we have a little problem" and explained the visit had to be cancelled because of industrial action.

GIP, with a workforce of about 1230, is responsible to the French Polynesian Government for areas like security, park maintenance, cleaning and some maritime duties.

The industrial action over a leadership dispute followed a day-and-a-half long strike last week.

GIP was not happy about appointments made by new French Polynesian President Oscar Temaru.

The labour force, established a decade ago by former President Gaston Flosse, is locally regarded as Mr Flosse's private police force.

Philip Schyle, a politician who supports neither parties of Mr Flosse or his rival Mr Temaru, told the Herald he thought it was no coincidence the second strike coincided with the arrival of Mr Flosse back in the country from Paris.

Mr Goff was to have met with Mr Flosse but instead he saw Mr Flosse's son-in-law Edouard Fritch.

Mr Fritch, a national politician and Mayor of Pirae, denied any connection with the strike and Mr Flosse.

He said the industrial action was bad for the economy and he was opposed to it.

The blockade prevents the transport of petrol to Tahiti and has disrupted Customs and other services.

Politician Nicole Bouteau said the situation was unacceptable and the French State should intervene as it created a security problem.

"But we have heard nothing."

Mr Goff said it was a matter for the French Polynesian Government to sort out.

At the blockade at lunchtime about 30 GIP workers clad in bright red t-shirts sheltered from the sun under a large awning.

One of the strikers, Tehei Tuhiti, said they were taking action because Mr Temaru "changed our boss."

She knew Mr Goff was in Papeete but denied the strike was anything to do with his visit.

A group of port workers unable to do their jobs haplessly gathered near the picket.