New Zealand is searching for approval from Australia to waive diplomatic immunity for the accomplice of a diplomat who was concerned in a boozy post-Bledisloe Cup match brawl.
Police responded to an altercation between three individuals in downtown Wellington about 3.30am on Sunday.
The incident has been described privately to AAP as a “drunken punch-up” involving the male accomplice of an Australian diplomat stationed within the Kiwi capital.
Taniela Tupou of Australia is tackled by Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece of New Zealand throughout The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand All Blacks and Australia Wallabies at Sky Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photograph by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Pictures)
“Police took one particular person into custody who was later launched with out cost after it was confirmed they held diplomatic immunity,” a police spokeswoman stated.
Diplomatic immunity is a broadly recognised proper afforded to overseas-stationed representatives which permits them freedom to conduct diplomatic engagements.
Nonetheless, owing to the seriousness of the alleged crime, police confirmed they’d begun a course of to have the immunity stripped from the person.
It’s understood the person was carrying Wallabies supporter gear, having hours earlier witnessed the Australian males’s rugby facet lose 33-13 at Sky Stadium.
Australia’s Division of International Affairs and Commerce are but to answer requests for remark concerning the incident, which was first reported by Sky Information.
New Zealand’s Ministry of International Affairs and Commerce confirmed it had engaged Australia’s Excessive Fee over the incident.
“It’s the expectation of the federal government of New Zealand that international representatives and their accredited relations will adjust to New Zealand legal guidelines and rules,” a spokeswoman stated.
Related NZ ministers have been briefed on the matter.