On Regional Science & Technology Cooperation and Associated Events
Pursuant to section 11 of the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1968 ("the Act"), the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade declares that:
1. Representatives of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, including
New Zealand, will be attending the Fourth APEC Ministers' Meeting On Regional Science & Technology Cooperation and the associated Research & Development Leaders' Forum and the Innovation Showcase to be held in Christchurch from 10-14 March 2004; and
2. In order to clarify the privileges and immunities which may be enjoyed by those representatives and their official administrative and support staff attending the said meeting;
directs that:
(a) every representative (including official delegates) of the APEC economies (other than of New Zealand) and the European Union (EU) shall be accorded
the privileges and immunities conferred by or by virtue of Part I of the Act on a diplomatic agent as specified in Articles 29 to 37 (1) inclusive of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, set out in the First Schedule to the Act; and
(b) the members of the official administrative and support staff of any such representative shall be accorded the following privileges and immunities:
(i) Immunity from suit and legal process in respect of things done or omitted to be done by them
in the course of the performance of their official duties;
(ii) exemption from income tax in respect of emoluments received for services in respect
of their official duties; and
(iii) exemption from duties and taxes on the importation of goods for official use in
New Zealand, that exemption to be subject
to compliance with such conditions as the Minister of Customs may determine for
the protection of the revenue.
(c) no person shall be accorded immunities in relation to any act or omission arising from the use of any firearm, airgun, pistol, restricted weapon, ammunition or explosive;
(d) these privileges and immunities shall apply to representatives, and their official and administrative and support staff, in respect of things done or omitted to be done by them during that period in which they are present in New Zealand for the performance of official duties.
Dated at Wellington this 22nd day of December 2003.
PHILIP BRUCE GOFF, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.