N.Z. as paradise a ‘fantasy’

Press, 26 April 1988, Page 28

N.Z. as paradise a ‘fantasy’

PA Auckland Painting I 'lew Zealand as a serene paradise for holidaymake rs was preparing tourists for a great shock, civic leaders said. The Mayor of Auckland. Dame Catherine Tizard. and Wellington's deputy Mayor, Mr feirry McDavitt, denied) claims that New Zealand's holiday reputation was) being shattered by attacks on tourists, three in one week.

"Ncw Zealand is. no worst l-or bettbr, than anywhere else.” Mr MdDavitt said. , ■ . I "The same tourist attacked here could find himself a victim Sn| the streets of his own) home town]’ ! i p ■ I I I He; said anyone (who thought they) could walk along; dark streets it night without any trouble was naive. : I j A Japanese 'tourist,

aged 24,' was attacked twice in Auckland (city last Friday night: an), American journalist hbd two rings stolen from hot pools at Helensvilje. north of Auckland and an Israeli tour st had I his pack stolen Recently when he left it optsida!a, shop for a few minutes. I [ i Dame Catherine said people lived in a!fantasyland about what! |sort lof place Auckland vjas.

"They say this is a city where it is no longer safe to leave your car) [unlocked. I would say anyone who ever has, ijhas been asking for trouble.” ' : i| ) . ■ "We like to fool [ourselves that this city: is different from others around the world.”l ,sh!e said. |, "This city — every! city — has violent crime.!'' I . 'P I ■