24 Sep 2004

Rumours about health of French Polynesian president officially denied

9:38 am on 24 September 2004

The office of French Polynesia's president, Oscar Temaru, has denied rumours that he has been flown to New Zealand for medical reasons.

A statement from the office says Mr Temaru is in New Zealand on business and will have an overdue health check while here.

Mr Temaru is to meet representatives of French Polynesia's social security and welfare branch office and the office which promotes tourism to Tahiti

The medical checkup is one that had been postponed because of the President's busy schedule.

Mr Temaru flew to Auckland earlier than planned because the Vice President and Tourism minister, Jacqui Drollet, is scheduled to go to Paris to meet France's tourism minister and tourism industry officials.