18 September 2020

Media: Stuff

Topic: Escape from managed isolation

Enquiry

Wanting to put a couple of questions to Steve. No shock to say it's about the Sudima escapee.

First I wanted to ask:

It sounds like the man didn't stray far from the hotel - is that Steve's understanding too?

Just a week earlier Commodore Webb was in Rotorua to announce additional Defence Force personnel at the Rotorua facilities - is Steve surprised this has happened given the additional staff?

Do Rotorua residents need to be worried about this?

Response

Reporter was informed the mayor was in a meeting until past his specified deadline and was provided the mayor's comments re this from yesterday for his use

From Mayor Steve Chadwick:

It's obviously disappointing but I was reassured to learn that the matter was dealt with very quickly and that the risk to our wider community is low.

Our expectation is that people will respect our community and like everybody else has had to do, abide by the conditions that have been put in place to protect the wider public. We have all played our part and we ask that those re-entering New Zealand also play their part and not put us at unnecessary risk.