4 December 2013

NZDF Humanitarian Contingent Returns From the Philippines

The 24-member New Zealand Defence Force contingent deployed to support the international humanitarian aid operation in the Philippines will return to New Zealand this evening.

The contingent, comprised of personnel from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) No.40 Squadron and No.209 Squadron, transported about 500 tonnes (or 1 million lbs) of aid and other disaster relief goods and around 1100 survivors from typhoon-wrecked island-communities in the eastern Philippines during their 16-day humanitarian mission to the Southeast Asian country.

“We have contributed significantly to the international effort to get aid into the remote areas where the need is greatest,” said Wing Commander Matt Hill, head of the New Zealand contingent and Commanding Officer of No.40 Squadron.

“It was great to be part of the multinational effort to help the Philippines and have the opportunity to make a difference. It’s very rewarding to be able to wave the Kiwi flag,” said Squadron Leader James Anderson, the RNZAF C-130 Hercules captain.

Philippine authorities have thanked the New Zealand government for their contribution to the international humanitarian aid operation.

ENDS

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