12 Nov 2010

Minister doesn't expect ban on SAS involvement

10:38 am on 12 November 2010

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp expects the country's top soldiers will continue to work with the business sector.

A report is due soon from the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, on the case of 70 executives from Direct Capital Limited who spent the day with the SAS.

They were allowed to fire weapons, and met the Victoria Cross winner, Corporal Willie Apiata.

Dr Mapp says General Mateparae has been looking at protocols relating to such practices.

He does not expect there to be a ban - but rather that such interaction should be with organisations representing a particular sector, rather than individual companies.