The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is continuing to deploy a range of air and land capabilities to assist communities affected by last week’s severe weather, with close to 140 personnel supporting or ready to support recovery efforts.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopter is helping provide access to isolated communities in the Gisborne and wider East Coast region and yesterday delivered supplies to Hick’s Bay and Te Araroa. Today, a C-130J Hercules aircraft is transporting a Local Emergency Response Group of 25 New Zealand Army soldiers along with essential stores and equipment.

Over the next 24 hours, more soldiers will deploy in support of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), including an Engineer Task Unit of 30 personnel with diggers and dump trucks, a Combat Services Support Element of 40 personnel including caterers and maintenance support, an environment health team to support water testing and environmental assessments, and Liaison Officers who will provide situational awareness in affected areas.

A transport platoon will use Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) to move personnel, equipment and stores.

The NZDF initially deployed personnel in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, integrating into regional response efforts including liaison officers and drivers along with 10 military vehicles.

Personnel assisted with the evacuation of civilians in Bay of Plenty, and worked with Police and Hato Hone St John in Northland on evacuation tasks. RNZAF NH90 helicopters have supported search and rescue tasks as well as surveillance flights over affected areas.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka said the NZDF was always ready to support civil defence and emergency response efforts.

“NEMA has requested support from the NZDF to help communities recovering from the impact of the recent weather events, and we have mobilized personnel, vehicles and aircraft to support local authorities on the East Coast.’’

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