Media Release

15 November 2016

The New Zealand Defence Force has helped evacuate a large number of tourists and residents from Kaikoura today.

NZDF NH90s RESCUE TOURISTS FROM QUAKE-DAMAGED KAIKOURA

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has deployed four Air Force NH90 helicopters to help evacuate a large number of tourists and residents from Kaikoura, which was badly hammered by the massive earthquake on Monday morning.

“We have mobilised additional assets to support the Government’s response to the earthquake, and we have been working with the Ministry of Civil Defence to ensure the lifelines and basic needs of the Kaikoura community are met,” said Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

“Our priority today is to evacuate the tourists and residents of Kaikoura who have been displaced by the earthquake and are now being accommodated at a local marae and various community buildings.”

AIRCDRE Webb said about 5000kg of aid supplies earmarked for Kaikoura are currently at Christchurch and include food, water and hygiene products, and jerrycans of diesel. The aid supplies were from the Ministry of Civil Defence, Red Cross and the NZDF.

He said several international partners have also offered to lend a hand, and these offers of assistance are currently being considered.

Hundreds of Defence Force personnel, at least eight aircraft and two ships are currently assisting in the Government’s earthquake response.

ENDS

Fast facts - NZDF support for the Government’s response to the earthquake:

Aircraft

NH90 medium utility helicopters – X4

A109 helicopter – 1X

SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopter – 1X

C-130 Hercules – 1X

P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft – 1X

Ships

Multi-role vessel HMNZS CANTERBURY

Offshore patrol vessel HMNZS WELLINGTON

5000 kg of aid supplies

Including food, water and hygiene items, and jerrycans of diesel

© Scoop Media