Don't give up hope, says reunited tsunami family

A mother whose daughter was nearly swept to her death by the tsunami in Asia has told other parents not to give up hope.

Her message comes as officials say another two New Zealanders are now believed to be dead after the tsunami triggered by an earthquake struck southeast Asia on Sunday.

Hundreds of New Zealanders have yet to be found.

Yesterday at Auckland airport, Greta Hardaker ran to embrace her 28-year-old daughter Gemma, as she arrived back from Thailand's Phi Phi Island with her partner, Daryl Lewell, 26.

"Hold on, there could be some hope," Ms Hardaker said to parents still waiting to hear news.

"You never know what's around the corner. There's news coming in all the time."

Miss Hardaker and Mr Lewell were holidaying off Thailand's southwest coast when a series of tsunami swamped the island, destroying villages and killing hundreds.

They clung to each other on a building to escape being swept out to sea. They were airlifted to Bangkok on Monday to receive medical treatment for cuts to their legs.

Miss Hardaker said many tourists were still helping in make-shift medical facilities.

- NZPA