Jacinda Ardern has shared a sweet video message thanking New Zealand's hardworking border staff for their service this holiday season - and a few familiar faces have rallied behind the gesture.
Ardern was joined by director Taika Waititi, actor Sam Neill, broadcaster and DJ Aroha Harawira, chef and popular Instagrammer Sam Low and comedians Rhys Darby and Urzila Carlson to wish managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) workers a merry Christmas.
"This is a huge thank you to our managed isolation and quarantine staff who will be working over the holiday period to continue keeping our borders, and most importantly New Zealanders, safe - we couldn't do it without you," Ardern captioned the video compilation on Monday morning.
Neill, who had starring roles in the likes of Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders, conveyed his "sincere thanks" to all the staffers working at MIQ facilities and keeping the country safe.
"I cannot thank you enough," he said.
Waititi, who has directed the likes of Boy, JoJo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok, gave a "big shoutout" to the workers giving up their Christmas break to look after new arrivals in managed isolation.
"We're all thinking of you, just as you guys were thinking of us."
Comedian and actor Rhys Darby, who has completed a stint in managed isolation, gave a special mention to the staffers working at the Christchurch Airport facility.
"I enjoyed my stay at the Christchurch Airport hotel - the staff there were professional. The health professionals were healthy and professional," he added.
"Proud to be a New Zealander. Kia kaha."
At the time of writing, the video has already amassed more than 53,900 views on Instagram, with hundreds of viewers expressing their gratitude and well wishes in the comments.
"Our family [is] in quarantine at the moment and managing well. They are being well looked after. Thank you. We are all so grateful," said one.
"We are so grateful to them, thank you and Meri Kirihimete," wrote another.
Ongoing border restrictions amid the pandemic mean returnees are required to complete 14 days of managed isolation upon arrival in New Zealand. Routine testing is performed at the facilities to ensure any new arrivals who have contracted the virus are quarantined.
Watch the video above.
