Defence personnel stay on to continue cleanup

New Zealand Army troops help clean up the Samoan coast. Photo / LAC Grant Armishaw, NZDF

A 70-strong team from the New Zealand Defence Force will remain in Samoa to help with rebuilding efforts, the Defence Ministry said.

The Navy's multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury arrived at Apia yesterday, delivering much-needed supplies to Samoa after the tsunami which took more than 180 lives.

Among the NZ Aid cargo offloaded were 540 fale poles, telephone poles, plumbing and electrical supplies, water pipes and 13 containers of donated aid supplies, including items donated by New Zealand Samoans.

Commanding officer Jim Gilmour said the Canterbury had played a very important role in getting the aid supplies to the island.

"I'm delighted at how much help we have been able to provide."

"HMNZS Canterbury has proven that her designed amphibious capabilities, including vast cargo- and personnel-carrying capacity, landing craft, cargo cranes and helicopter makes her effectively a one-stop-shop for this kind of contingency operation," Commander Gilmour said.

It had already made a stop at the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu, where the vessel delivered supplies and 14 Army personnel, including a medic, a nurse and engineers.

The ministry said the focus had shifted to a recovery and rebuilding phase, and the Army, Navy and Air Force personnel would work to help the Islanders rebuild their lives and their country's infrastructure.

New Zealand has pledged $6.1 million for essential services and infrastructure such as housing, water, power and roads, and there are 28 medical personnel there, deployed through the district health boards and the Ministry of Health.

New Zealand has already given $2 million in emergency aid to help with the immediate aftermath.

HELP FROM NZ DEFENCE FORCE

ARMY: Helping with post-tsunami cleanup and administering medical care to those still needing it.
AIR FORCE: Has carried out searches, provided images and information to the Governments of Samoa and NZ to determine extent of damage. Awaiting further orders.
NAVY: Delivery of supplies to the stricken region, and will be transporting gear no longer needed back to NZ.