New Zealand is seeking approval from Australia to waive diplomatic immunity for the partner of a diplomat involved in a drunken brawl after the Bledisloe Cup.
Police responded to an altercation between three men in downtown Wellington about 3.30am on Sunday.
The incident was described privately to AAP as a “drunken punch-up” involving the male partner of an Australian diplomat stationed in the New Zealand capital.
Australia’s Taniela Tupou tackles New Zealand’s Rieko Ioane and Cebu Rees during the Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies at Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, on September 28, 2024. (Photo credit: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
“Police detained one person, who was released without charge after it was confirmed that they had diplomatic immunity,” a police spokesman said.
Diplomatic immunity is a widely recognized right granted to representatives abroad, allowing them to freely conduct diplomatic activities.
However, the police confirmed that due to the serious nature of the criminal charges, they had begun procedures to revoke the man’s immunity.
It is understood the man was wearing Wallabies supporter gear after witnessing the Australian men’s rugby team lose 33-13 at Sky Stadium hours earlier.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not yet responded to a request for comment on the incident, first reported by Sky News.
New Zealand’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it had engaged the Australian High Commission in the incident.
“It is the New Zealand Government’s expectation that foreign representatives and their families comply with New Zealand laws and regulations,” the spokesperson said.
Relevant New Zealand Ministers have been briefed on this matter.
