Deported New Zealanders returning from Australia will be housed in a dedicated managed isolation facility.
The facility is due to begin operating this week and will remain in use for as long as needed to manage returnees as they complete their 14-days in isolation, an All-of-Government COVID-19 response team spokesperson says.
It comes as deportation numbers return to normal following travel restrictions. The same rules and guidance applies to these returnees, as does access to cross-agency support, advice and welfare.
"Where appropriate, extra security arrangements will be put in place to manage the return of deportees during their time in managed isolation, in accordance with the assessed risk and the conditions they have in place, if any," the spokesperson says. Further information on these arrangements couldn't be provided for "operational reasons".
"The risk assessment of deportees is carried out by Police and Corrections with other agencies as necessary, in accordance with the usual returning deportees process."
A range of agencies will provide assistance to deportees when they arrive in New Zealand. They will engage with returnees while they're in isolation to ensure they have the right support to help integrate them into the community once their 14-day period is complete.
The spokesperson added they can't confirm the number of returning deportees.
