A Te Arawa warrior clears the way for ACDR Darryn Webb, accompanied by the Army marae manager Aaron Morrison, to enter Te Papaiouru Marae. Photo / NZ Defence Force
A Te Arawa warrior clears the way for ACDR Darryn Webb, accompanied by the Army marae manager Aaron Morrison, to enter Te Papaiouru Marae. Photo / NZ Defence Force
Te Arawa extended a warm welcome to the now total 50 Defence Force personnel in Rotorua following additional deployment nationwide.
Te Arawa welcomed Air Commodore Darryn Webb, deputy chief executive managed isolation quarantine (MIQ) Megan Main and a contingent of 50 New Zealand Defence Force personnel to Te Papaiouru maraein Rotorua today.
Around 400 additional Defence personnel are being deployed across New Zealand, bringing the number of Defence Force in Rotorua to 50.
Te Arawa kuia and students from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori of Te Koutu call the guests into Te Papaiouru marae as part of a pōhiri welcoming NZDF personnel. Photo / NZ Defence Force
The deployment of extra personnel is part of MIQ's package of improved policies and procedures, and increased staffing across all managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
The pōhiri recognised the continued support of iwi for managed isolation and quarantine in welcoming home returnees and keeping our communities safe from Covid-19.
Rotorua has three managed isolation facilities; the Ibis and Sudima Hotels opened in late June followed by the Rydges Hotel in late July.
Newly arrived NZDF personnel from Linton Army Camp perform the Army haka. Photo / NZ Defence Force
Te Arawa has helped to develop and shape a special experience for returnees, infusing a te ao Māori approach.
"This pōhiri is a huge honour for managed isolation and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment," Webb said.
