NZ not for sale

"NZ is not for sale," says eBay, after it was put up for auction by a disgruntled Australian and then withdrawn by the internet site, disappointing thousands around the world who had been preparing to finance a purchase of this South Pacific paradise:

With a starting offer of just one cent, brisk bidding for the prime chunk of South Pacific real estate quickly boosted the price to 3,000 Australian dollars (US$2,330) before eBay pulled the plug on the auction this week." Clearly New Zealand is not for sale," eBay Australia spokesman Daniel Feiler told the New Zealand Press Association, adding that 22 bids had been made before the company acted. The trader has not been named, but apparently was unimpressed with the country he was trying to sell.

"Very ordinary weather," was one of the trader's stated complaints. This may perhaps have put off some buyers and brought down the price of the bids for its withdrawal, although a few prospective purchasers did say they were concerned that the NZ Government would 'unbundle' the purchase once completed.

Speculation that the trader was just a disappointed Brumbies fan upset at being kicked out the Super 14 last night was apparently rife around Christchurch last night. [Hat tip: Stephen Hicks]

LINK: Online auction site eBay rules that New Zealand not for sale - Mainichi Daily News
Sharks knock Brumbies out of the semis - Stuff

TAGS: New_Zealand, Geek_Stuff