The death of a Vanuatu national in New Zealand on Wednesday, which is not considered to be COVID-related has been referred to the Coroner.
A 44-year-old Ni-Vanuatu man, who arrived in Auckland Wednesday afternoon from Vanuatu, died during a medical incident at the Crowne Plaza Hotel which is operating as a managed isolation facility.
MIQ Head Brigadier Jim Bliss says this is a tragic situation for his family and those he travelled with.
“We are doing all we can to assist these RSE workers who are on their first day of 14 in managed isolation and who no doubt will be finding this very upsetting. Our thoughts are with them and his family. Staff on site at the Crowne Plaza are providing support to all those who require it.”
Staff on site did their best to assist the man, a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme worker, while St John Ambulance was en route.
Ambulance officers attended about 7.30pm but were unable to save him.
Police have notified next of kin.
Support is being offered to all those in the facility including the 155 other RSE workers who arrived in New Zealand with the man yesterday.
Photo RNZ Pacific