Aussies fly flag for ABs – and NZ Police

With New Zealand still basking in the glow of the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup triumph, we’re delighted to see our Australian friends sharing the moment.

As former Christchurch Constable Steve Hansen prepared to lead his victorious squad through central Wellington, over in Canberra Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin donned an All Blacks jersey to hoist the New Zealand Police flag on the AFP flagpole.

Our liaison officer in Canberra, Detective Inspector Steve Wood, was on hand to lend moral support.

This touching display of trans-Tasman togetherness arose from a challenge from Commissioner Colvin to Commissioner Mike Bush that the winning nation’s police flag would fly for a day outside the losing nation’s police headquarters.

“It was never in doubt, even when the Wallabies fought back to 21-17,” says Commissioner Bush.

“Thanks to Commissioner Colvin for being such a good sport - and thanks to the All Blacks for sparing me from having to wear a Wallabies shirt.

“Congratulations to the team on their superb victory. It’s always great to see a former police colleague do well in their post-police career.”

Commissioner Colvin told his Twitter followers he was honouring his bet with Commissioner Bush “to fly the flag of our great mates” at New Zealand Police.

A video of the flag-raising can be seen on Commissioner Bush's Twitter feed.