New Zealander Receives "Tongue-Lashing" From Police

Many of us were taught never to point... especially with one finger in particular, right?

Well, a man dining at an Auckland, New Zealand restaurant last week apparently never learned that lesson... as he "gave the finger" to a police helicopter as it lifted off from its base across from the restaurant last Friday.

The man then turned back to his lunch... until, that is, police showed up a few minutes later to speak with him.

An officer took the man outside, away from his date, and gave him what the Herald newspaper called a "tongue-lashing."

One witness called the policeman's actions an OVER-reaction... and an abuse of power.

A representative with the Auckland Police Department wouldn't confirm officers spoke with the man... but added if they did, their reaction was appropriate.

"I haven't made any inquiries and we're just discussing a hypothetical," said Inspector Mark Hall. "On the face of it, it's offensive. The person appears to have been spoken to about his behavior."

FMI: www.police.govt.nz/district/aucklandcity/