Police reinforcements from around the country will arrive in Hamilton this evening to support enforcement efforts at the Waikato/Auckland boundary checkpoints.
A total 45 staff from Southern, Canterbury, Tasman, Central, Bay of Plenty and Wellington districts are heading to Hamilton today. Royal New Zealand Police College staff are also part of this contingent. 32 of those will travel on a specially chartered Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules, arriving at Hamilton Airport at 1700 today. They are the first of three groups of that will rotate in to provide relief for checkpoint staff, and ensure Level 4 enforcement of Tamaki Makaurau continues.
Waikato Police District Commander Bruce Bird will welcome the first group this evening.
“These officers will be accommodated in Level 2 Waikato and work on the Level 2 side of the boundary. We are grateful to these officers from around the country for providing assistance during a very busy time for the upper North districts.
“Our colleagues in Tamaki Makaurau still have a big job ahead with Alert Level 4 enforcement still a key focus for them as well as the checkpoints, which are playing a big part of the reassurance we provide to communities on both sides of the boundary.”
Media are advised there will be an opportunity for vision and an interview with Superintendent Bird after the flight has arrived.
WHAT: Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130 Hercules arrives at Hamilton Airport
WHEN: 1700, Friday 10 September 2021. Please arrive at 4.30pm
WHO: NZ Police staff and Superintendent Bruce Bird
Media are invited to arrive at 4:30pm to film the landing and staff disembarking.
To help manage Level 2 restrictions, media are asked to RSVP by email to media@police.govt.nz.
Attending media need to:
• Bring high visibility tops (to film airside)
• Wear masks
• Maintain social distancing
• Scan in with the QR codes displayed on the airport doors
• Sign-in at the contractor sign in area at the Fire Rescue building
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre