Diplomatic bus to be a big hit for fans
– In an unusual move, British diplomats inspired by Cliff Richard have set up office in a bus to help rugby fans visiting New Zealand for the British and Irish Lions tour.
Up to 30 000 fans have made the long trek to support the Lions, creating a mobile town of campervans and hire cars that will follow the team across the country.
Passport problems and other snags are inevitable, and diplomats have hit upon a novel way to deal with them – a big red bus that serves as a mobile consulate.
Decked out in Union flags, the bus will travel from match to match during the six-week tour.
It will provide consular services to citizens of both Britain and Ireland.
Joel Watson, First Secretary at the British High Commission in Wellington, said it was the first time the Foreign Office had done such a thing for a major event anywhere in the world.
He said travellers needing help would normally have to visit consular offices in Wellington or Auckland, a major disruption for fans on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
“About two years ago, we looked at the Lions tour and decided that with the volume of fans coming across here – we’re expecting 20 000-30 000 – that several of them would need support at some stage or other,” he said.
“Kiwis have come along and given us a bit of lighthearted ribbing about the Lions, and Brits have been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. – AFP