Despite investing $65 million in security upgrades following the 2014 Ashburton murders, assaults on Ministry of Social Development staff have nearly doubled in recent years, with 36 assaults reported in 2020. Deputy chief executive Melissa Gill stated that all sites will have secure areas once upgrades are completed by December, costing an average of $500,000 per branch. Weekly lockdowns have become routine at some sites, with close collaboration with police during such events, as seen in a recent precautionary measure taken at the Ashburton office after a suspicious bag prompted a lockdown.
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Police escort man off New Plymouth-bound Air NZ flight, ‘concerning remarks’ delay take-off
A man was removed from Air New Zealand flight NZ5047, which was set to depart Auckland for New Plymouth, due to "concerning remarks" that raised security alarms. The incident prompted police involvement, and the airline confirmed that the passenger was offloaded before the flight's departure. Want More Context? 🔎
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