'Get on the spouses' bus': NZ driver refuses Gillard entry

The incident occurred last Thursday when the leaders and their spouses were being driven in separate buses from Sky City hotel to the waterfront for security reasons last Thursday, according to 'The Age' daily

Security procedures meant the leaders had to travel on one bus while their partners travelled on the other.

The  mistake was cleared up when an aide told the bus driver he was talking to the Australian Prime Minister.

A spokesman for NZ Internal Affairs confirmed the incident and said the apology was offered as soon as officials were made aware of it.

Gillard did not appear to take offence, however, an apology was offered and the department regretted that the incident occurred.

Gillard was heard joking with her partner Tim Mathieson about the slight and put her arm around him as they left.

But it was not the only mix up during the forum.At the opening ceremony, the MC told leaders' spouses to "come up and meet your husbands".