It's been revealed the SAS was used to look after 501 deportees at MIQ facilities during the height of the Covid pandemic

New Zealand's most elite force was deployed at two Auckland facilities.

Defence Minister Judith Collins says the extensive use of the New Zealand Defence Force in patrols at MIQ facilities led to many leaving the force.

Former Defence Minister Peeni Henare says the SAS deployment was a defence force decision, not his.

He says the highly trained SAS soldiers were likely needed due to the risk of 501 deportees.