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This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
Increasing security at Hamilton’s Covid-19 isolation hotels has become a reality with a pōwhiri for 57 defense force personnel in the city on Thursday.
The additional staff will bring the total number of NZDF staff at the city’s three quarantine hotels, the Ibis, Jet Park and Distinction Hotels to 74.
Waikato-Tainui joined the locals in welcoming the group with a pōwhiri at Hui Te Rangiora Marae in the center of town.
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The head of managed isolation and quarantine security, Air Commodore Darryn Webb said that while there were no guarantees that someone would get out, the additional staff would tighten security and make it less likely.
” What we are going to do here is make sure we have just the right amount of fit-for-purpose people for the risks that we see. They are well trained, they come here as a disciplined and motivated force. I have spoken to them many times in the past and they are all looking forward to the experience. ”
He said iwi’s support greatly facilitated military deployment and caring for isolated people.
” The well-being and safety of everyone involved, New Zealanders in general is paramount and they have been strong advocates for that. Karakia at the beginning of people’s travels, firing them after 14 days. So that’s a really important part of the overall process. ”
Security gets a boost for Hamilton’s isolation hotels as the Defense Force helps.
Waikato-Tainui Chief Executive Rukumoana Schaafhausen said that deploying more defense personnel in locally run isolation facilities would help protect the Waikato community.
“Kiingi Tuheitia has bestowed its tautoko and support on that basis. The well-being of all people must be at the forefront of our decision-making in the battle against Covid-19. As leaders, we must work with others for the common good.
“Take people’s lives for granted and come to the rescue.
“We have members of our iwi working alongside defense, health and hotel managers, as well as security and police to deliver a large manaakitanga to our returnees in a distinctive way from Waikato. Our kaupapa is very clear,” he said.
The officer in charge of the defense contingent, Major Stephanie Craw, said the job, while not difficult, is different for her team.
“We train our people to solve complex problems.”
She smiled and laughed when asked if they were volunteers.
”Of course of course.”
Megan Main, deputy executive director of managed isolation at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, said continuous improvement is the mantra of all isolation hotels.
“We have 7000 people coming back every fortnight, so we improve as we go, so fly while we perfect it.”
Main said people entering the country had no choice where they would be sent to isolate themselves for 14 days.
Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson welcomed the improved security at the three hotels used for quarantine in Hamilton.
He said having more defense personnel gave him more confidence in security.
“The military and the police are probably better trained in surveillance and things like that, where maybe (private) security is not so much, so having the military there gives me more confidence that they are doing it.”
Air Commodore Webb said its staff will join police and private security as an integrated team at the isolation hotels.
So far, 50,000 people have passed through a quarantine hotel in New Zealand, and 1,000 of them have spent their 14 days in isolation in Hamilton.
This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and republished with permission.
