Where are the Iroquois when we need them?

Storms that have caused havoc throughout the lower North Island have uncovered more holes in New Zealand's Air Force, says National's Defence spokesman Simon Power.

"While the region is in desperate need of helicopters to help rescue people and survey damage, the Air Force has been able to contribute only three operational Iroquois helicopters.

Mr Power says of our 14 Iroquois helicopters, two are serving in the Solomon Islands and nine are not available to help with relief efforts.

"One of the fundamental roles of our Defence Force is to help in times of national emergencies.

"And now, when we are facing one of the nations' worst floods in 100 years, one has to ask where are the other helicopters?

"In a time of civil emergency the Iroquois fleet has gone AWOL. The Government's insufficient defence spending has let down our closest allies, and now it has let down the people of New Zealand," says Mr Power.

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