Free Lions tickets soothe displaced flood victims

Rugby chiefs have gone on a public relations offensive, giving away Lions tickets to Bay of Plenty flood victims after revelations that some may be forced from hotels and motels by the tourists' fans.

The New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday offered 450 tickets for the opening game of the tour, at Rotorua a week tomorrow.

The Lions party of about 100 touch down in Auckland today and will be supported by thousands of Barmy Army fans, some of whom have booked accommodation now occupied by flood victims.

Of the tickets, 200 will go to Matata residents and 250 to Tauranga. The Matata Rugby Club will distribute the town's allocation to victims, families and helpers, but victims of the Tauranga floods must call the Baycourt ticket office and register their interest.

Authorities struggling to house displaced people have been overwhelmed by public offers. Housing New Zealand said it had been offered 61 private properties, ranging from modest one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses.

Tauranga resident Shane Roper, whose house in Welcome Bay was affected by floods, said the offer of rugby tickets "gives us something to look forward to".

Matata resident Narelle Boonen said the game would help to take her mind off her problems "for a short time anyway".