Rose Kupa's cheeky run was considered low-level offending. Photo / Duncan Brown
Saturday night's All Blacks-match streaker believes her actions were not vulgar despite children being exposed to full nudity, while police crack down on pitch invaders ahead of this weekend's Ranfurly Shield challenge in Napier.
Rose Kupa, 25, was arrested at McLean Park in Napier after her nude sprint during the second half of the Rugby Championship test against Argentina.
After slowing down briefly during the streak to slap local rugby hero and All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg on the backside, she succumbed to security, with the game delayed for several minutes.
Police gave the woman who wore just a woolly hat a pre-charge warning for disorderly behaviour and trespassed her from McLean Park for two years, but did not proceed with a prosecution.
Red Badge, the security firm contracted for the test match, did not return Hawke's Bay Today's phone calls yesterday.
Ms Kupa, a Flaxmere delivery driver, maintained she had "got off lightly" despite the trespass notice and didn't believe her actions were offensive to the families and children in the crowd.
Family First NZ national director Bob McCoskrie said following the incident: "Families are rightly concerned that they and their children may be confronted by full nudity in a public place."
In response to Family First NZ, Ms Kupa said: "My family wasn't offended by it. I don't really know what to say to that."
Ms Kupa, who has been a part of the Hawke's Bay woman's rugby team training squad, said streaking at an All Blacks game had long been on her bucket list.
Mr McCoskrie said the organisation would be writing to the Minister of Police, Anne Tolley, to ask the Commissioner of Police to review the decision not to prosecute Ms Kupa.
"This case sets a dangerous precedent and means that families are more likely to be confronted by offensive and inappropriate behaviour in public places where they should feel safe about taking their children."
He noted Christchurch builder Adam Holtslag, 28, streaked during an All Blacks Test in Dunedin in July and was charged by police.
Mr Holtslag was convicted of offensive behaviour, fined $500 and received a two-year ban from Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium. Yesterday, Mr Holtslag said he was surprised Ms Kupa escaped with a formal warning and believed "it should be the same rule for everyone".
Hawke's Bay Area Commander Inspector Tania Kura said Ms Kupa had met the criteria for a pre-charge warning, a national police initiative used for low-level offending.
The criteria for pre-charge warnings is the offender must be 17 and over; the offending must be low-level or minor and any possible charges would attract a maximum penalty of six months' jail. Ms Kupa's associate, who helped her get on to the field on Saturday night, was also issued with a pre-charge warning for being a party to disorderly behaviour and also trespassed from McLean Park for two years.
Despite public criticism, Eastern District Commander Superintendent Sandra Venables said police stood by their decision not to formally charge Ms Kupa, but future decisions would "consider the possible wider implications".
She had reviewed the action taken by police staff on the night, and believed it appropriate in the circumstances.
"In light of that, I expect that in the future Eastern District police staff will be more aware of the possible implications around charging for this sort of offence and will respond accordingly."
Police will be keeping a close watch on the field and the crowd for Sunday's Ranfurly Shield challenge match between Hawke's Bay and Otago at McLean Park.
Readers' comments
• Lois Smith: "One rule for a man and another for a 'lady?' should be charged same as the man earlier in the year."
• Mariana Romana: "I admire the girl, everyone had a bucket list and that was one of hers. She can now cros[s] that one off."
• Marie Stephens: "So funny. A tick off her bucket list. Not encouraging it, tho[ugh]."
• Glenys Wright: "My gran[d]sons were at the game and they enjoyed it. One of them even posted the video of the streak on his Facebook. Good on her for having the courage."
- Additional reporting APNZ