Pandemic management while in US posting earns top safety award
The Air Attache at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, Wing Commander Graham Streatfield, has been named New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Safety Person of the Year.
16 November, 2021
The award recognises Wing Commander Streatfield’s contribution to the health and safety of all NZDF personnel and their families in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the pandemic began, NZDF staff were spread across 11 states, with varying levels of community transmission and differing responses from state and local officials to contend with. The pandemic necessitated a coordinated emergency plan, which needed to be enacted rapidly – a plan which also needed to be responsive to the rapidly changing nature of the virus and the corresponding impact on the community.
Wing Commander Streatfield was able to distil a great deal of information into believable communication, plan strategies, and provide advice and decisions based on science and data. The knowledge and advice he provided directly influenced the NZDF tools that were put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of personnel. His commitment throughout was unwavering, the citation said.
Wing Commander Graham Streatfield has been named New Zealand Defence Force Safety Person of the Year.
“COVID-19 swept across America in waves, starting in New York in April 2020, reaching Florida in June 2020, then the Midwest by September, followed by a massive wave of infection after Thanksgiving in November,” Wing Commander Streatfield said.
“Very early on it became apparent that communicating advice to NZDF personnel and their families was going to be paramount. The situation was complicated by the sheer number of agencies across the country involved in managing the response – Federal, State, county and city bodies all had responsibilities, and of course the guidance from NZDF also applied.
“When it came to the vaccine, we couldn’t get it from home because of the difficulty in acquiring and transporting it, so we had to source it locally. Between February and April of this year, we went from being at the bottom of the list for access to the vaccine to it being easily available at almost any pharmacy. As the circumstances changed I was able to keep our people abreast of their options; where to go, what vaccine type to get, how to travel safely, and so on.”
Aside from regular reporting up and down the command chain, Wing Commander Streatfield developed and oversaw travel risk management, sourced and distributed PPE when in short supply, and influenced temporary changes to policy. He took a proactive approach that enabled a needs-based response. Crucially, he delivered surety during challenging times.
The Judging Panel noted he went above and beyond what would normally have been expected of him during unique circumstances, while exemplifying the NZDF values of Courage, Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.
Newly graduated Waikato man has eyes on the sky
People
Navy STEM programme launches Upper Hutt student into media career
People
Joining the Air Force a family affair for Northland man
People
Wellington sailor continues family naval tradition
People
Kaitaia Sailor celebrates commissioning to Naval Officer
People
Canterbury volunteer shows care for Op Protect personnel at Christmas
People
Westport sailor embraces new career as Navy Education Officer
People
Reflecting on being WOAF
People
'Incredible journey' to top Air Force leadership role
People
Zone out with axe throwing
People
Former soldier earns wings in return to military
People
Outstanding leadership by NZ Army Officer in Afghanistan recognised
People
Air Force leadership role brings challenge and opportunity
People
Dedication and innovation praised at Chief of Defence Force Awards
People
Exemplary soldier is NZDF Person of Year
People
Managed isolation stalwart named NZDF Reservist of the Year
People
Cadet of the Year an inspiration to the next generation
People
Sailor of the Year recognised in year of challenges
People
Navy Diver recognised for developing diversity
People
Allrounder wins NZDF Civilian of the Year award
People
‘Wellness' supporter named Defence Volunteer of the Year
People
Hard line against bullying earns instructor Soldier of the Year title
People
Defence HUMINT: An Airman’s Story
People
Passion for the job recognised by Airman of the Year award
People
NZDF opens up different world of legal challenges
People
RNZAF’s longest-serving woman signs off after years of progress
People
Operation Monitor: deployed to the Republic of Korea
People
Bonded to heritage
People
Reflections during Matariki
People
Navy Reserves keep Upper Hutt man's love of the sea alive
People
Bay of Plenty woman making the most of her time in the Navy
People
Flying dream achieved with late change in career flight path
People
Cook Islands sailor proud to deliver vaccine support
People
Graduate's father inspires Air Force career
People
Mother the inspiration for Air Force career choice
People
Variety with ‘the team’ attracts former Cricketer to Navy
People
New Plymouth woman swaps hospo for hootchies and hot spots
People
Swapping the Bomb Squad for an RNZAF Squadron
People
Perseverance pays off as Tauranga man achieves RNZAF dream
People
Mother’s inspiration sets Lower Hutt man on Navy medical career
People
Hercules way finder flying in the family footsteps
People
Navy offers aviation career for Palmerston North man
People
Keep it real
People
NZDF medical officer joins Australian response to Fiji Covid surge
People
Defence Force at the heart of historic Women’s Super Rugby match
People
Riverton man embraces opportunity of Army medical career
People
Ōtaki woman embracing change for RNZAF medical career
People
RNZAF Skyhawk history-maker calls time on illustrious career
People
NZ Army promotes first female General List Officer to Brigadier
People
Inspiring Mums
People
The long wait for the Red Diamond
People
Gisborne high flier aims to make a difference in new career
People
Queenstown woman tops RNZAF recruit course
People
Career change for new RNZAF recruit
People
RNZAF offers Nelsonian a second chance at aviation engineering career
People
Taupō Army Cadets eyes the sky after groundwork
People
Invercargill-born Army Band trumpeter returns to roots
People
Chasing goals and being a mum
People
Take your moko as a friend for life
People
Taupō siblings make it four Navy generations
People
Law graduate takes the helm of a navy career
People
Commendation for former Army Sniper
People
