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A high-profile former All Black who bared all at a West Coast rugby match avoided being dealt with by police because officers were not there to see it.
Police have received no complaints from spectators at the provincial match between the West Coast and King Country when Marc
Ellis streaked across the field on Saturday.
Ellis, a proponent of streaking and nudity, told the Herald he was in Greymouth filming for a television series called How the Other Half Lives when he felt the urge to get his clothes off.
"It was just a beautiful day and a glorious opportunity. You are down south, people have got a sense of humour down there. And they appreciate that unbridled passion.
"Judging by the reception I got when I went to the after-match [function], it was pretty warmly received."
In anticipation of his antics being on television, Ellis added: "It was bloody chilly down there, and I was nervous."
Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed, acting West Coast police area commander, said police were aware of a well-known streaker through a local newspaper report, but did not know who it was.
Police were not at the match to take any action, but there "always could be when one indecently exposes oneself", especially as families were present.
"If someone made a complaint and there was sufficient evidence we would deal with the matter. "
Asked if he was concerned about being prosecuted, Ellis said: "I think most of the police down there have got a sense of humour".
Ellis has had run-ins with the law before, most notably in 2005 when he was convicted of possessing the Class B drug Ecstasy.
His naked dash comes after Parliament introduced legislation meaning anyone caught streaking at major event could be jailed for up to three months and fined $5000.
"It was definitely a finger at the Government," Ellis said of his streak.
West Coast rugby officials were reluctant to say too much about Ellis' cameo appearance.
Mike Connors, chief executive of the West Coast Rugby Union, told the Herald he didn't get a close enough look to put a name to the naked star.
West Coast team coach Anthony Lawry said the streaker "didn't have a bad sun-tan".
While streakers in bigger matches and at larger grounds were usually nabbed quickly by eager security staff, Mr Connors said: "We have no security people at small grounds like ours."
