The British High Commission is Coming to Whangarei
British High Commissioner, Jonathan Sinclair and his team will be taking a mobile British office on a nationwide tour -
alongside the British & Irish Lions.
The aim of the mobile office is to help any British Nationals who might need consular assistance - eg a lost passport.
As 30,000 Lions fans are expected to arrive on New Zealand shores from the United Kingdom and Ireland over the coming
six weeks, the British High Commission is preparing for a possible spike in requests for help. To cope with that,
Jonathan and his team have arranged their first ever Mobile Consular Platform in the form of a big red bus - “The GREAT
Bus” - to provide that support during this major event.
“I’m delighted that we can take the office on the road like this, supporting British Nationals all across Aotearoa. And
what better place to start than stunning Northland.” Jonathan Sinclair said.
Whether its support for lost or stolen passports, issuing replacement emergency travel documents, helping due to illness
or accident, or providing local contacts, the British High Commission will have staff on hand. The GREAT Bus will
provide that first point of contact for touring visitors during the Lions’ Series.
The GREAT Bus will be based in the Town Basin outside Claphams Clock Museum in Whangarei at the following times:
Friday 2 June, 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 3 June, 9am - 5pm
Sunday 4 June, 9am - 12pm
With the start of the Lions tour only two days away, the British High Commission are also preparing to join the Lions
for their very special welcome to New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
“It has been my honour to attend Waitangi Day every year during my time as High Commissioner - and it will be fantastic
to see the Lions given such a special welcome ahead of the tour.” Jonathan Sinclair said.
ends