<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>330139</docID> <postdate>2024-10-02 09:56:34</postdate> <headline>Boozy Bledisloe brawl lands Aust diplomat in hot water</headline> <body><p><img class="wp-image-330140" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20230425001790639061-original-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>There has reportedly been a "punch-up" involving a partner of an Australian diplomat in Wellington. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p class="wire-column__preview__author"><span class="kicker-line">By <b>Ben McKay</b> in Wellington</span></p> <p><strong>New Zealand is seeking approval from Australia to waive diplomatic immunity for the partner of a diplomat who was involved in a boozy post-Bledisloe Cup match brawl.</strong></p> <p>Police responded to an altercation between three people in downtown Wellington about 3.30am on Sunday.</p> <p>The incident has been described privately to AAP as a "drunken punch-up" involving the male partner of an Australian diplomat stationed in the Kiwi capital.</p> <p>"Police took one person into custody who was later released without charge after it was confirmed they held diplomatic immunity," a police spokeswoman said.</p> <p>Diplomatic immunity is a broadly recognised right afforded to overseas-stationed representatives which allows them freedom to conduct diplomatic engagements.</p> <p>However, owing to the seriousness of the alleged crime, police confirmed they had begun a process to have the immunity stripped from the man.</p> <p>It is understood the man was wearing Wallabies supporter gear, having hours earlier witnessed the Australian men's rugby side lose 33-13 at Sky Stadium.</p> <p>Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the incident, which was first reported by Sky News.</p> <p>New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it had engaged Australia's High Commission over the incident.</p> <p>"It is the expectation of the government of New Zealand that foreign representatives and their accredited family members will comply with New Zealand laws and regulations," a spokeswoman said.</p> <p>Relevant NZ ministers have been briefed on the matter.</p> </body>