Police were notified after a disgruntled member of the public complained after spotting three men dressed in army combat gear at a party in the Auckland Domain today.
A member of the public, who would not be named, called the police about 11.10am today and asked them to attend after he confronted the party-goers who were at the costume club, 'Cosplay's' annual Christmas function.
"From a distance we could see these men dressed in military gear and didn't feel it was appropriate to be dressed like that in a memorial setting. We thought it was disrespectful," he said.
The man had spent the morning at the Domain with his son.
Senior Sergeant Danny Meade said police had noted the case but no action was necessary because the group had "clearly been in costume".
"They are not causing any disorder but the [member of the public who called police] is very upset because they're wearing these Isis costumes very near the war memorial."
The men involved: Simon Bainbridge, 29, Nathan Vandermaal, 27 and Brad Sadler, 20, did not believe their costumes represented Isis and felt in turn, disrespected.
"We were stunned he called the Police," said Mr Bainbridge. "He didn't ask us any questions or try and find out what we were doing," said Mr Bainbridge after being confronted by the man.
All three party-goers said they had family members who had served in various wars and were not dressed in military gear to mock New Zealand soldiers.
"We respect the men and women who have served and who are serving," said Mr Bainbridge.
- NZME.
