N.Z. at Games ‘with heads up’

Press, 17 March 1982, Page 2

N.Z. at Games ‘with heads up’

PA Brisbane New Zealand would take part in the Commonwealth Games at Brisbane “with heads held up,” in spite of threats of a black African nations' boycott, said New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Industry (Mr Templeton) on Monday evening. Mr Templeton, who is in Brisbane to speak to Queensland Government leaders about trade matters, said New Zealand respected the rights of other countries not to take part in the Games. “But we expect people to respect our rights." Mr Templeton said. “We will hold our heads up and proceed.” Black African nations are

threatening to boycott the Games if New Zealand competes because of last year's Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand. Mr Templeton would not comment on the British Lions rugby tour of South Africa two seasons ago. or the present cricket tour of that country by the so-called British “dirty dozen." “There are a lot of people stirring things along," Mr Templeton said. “But I am confident that the more seasoned and more knowledgeable . African leaders will understand New Zealand's position, as they did at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Melbourne last year."