Large security presence in Auckland as Modi meets political, community leaders

Large security presence in Auckland as Modi meets political, community leaders

Aucklanders can expect to see a large security presence on Saturday as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets political and community leaders on a whirlwind visit.

Modi's visit is the first trip by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed Modi with a guard of honour - and a hug - at Auckland Airport on a brisk Friday evening.

The long-serving Indian leader is expected to hold bilateral talks with Luxon in the morning before meeting prominent business and sports personalities in the afternoon.

He is also expected to meet Labour leader Chris Hipkins later in the day.

Modi is lastly expected to address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora at a sold-out event at Spark Arena before departing Auckland later in the evening.

Operation Commander Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ on Thursday the police operation was well-advanced ahead of the visit, and additional support from specialist groups had been deployed, including public order teams from across the country.

"These specialist resources will be able to assist with supporter crowds or any other disruptions that may occur," Anderson said.

"Given a visit of this stature, the public should expect there will be some disruptions in parts of the city through different points of the day."

Calling Modi's visit "historic" when announcing it last week, Luxon said it reflected the growing momentum in the New Zealand-India relationship.

Discussions between the leaders would include trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport and various global issues, he said.

The visit comes hot on the heels of the free trade agreement with India passing its first reading in Parliament.

The trade deal will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95 percent of New Zealand's exports to India once fully implemented.

But it has been surrounded by controversy, following New Zealand First's decision to withhold support for the agreement.

When the free trade agreement was announced in December, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters called it a "bad deal," saying it was "neither free nor fair" and gave too much away especially on immigration without getting enough in return for New Zealanders.