Tsunami stories: Think 'when' not 'if'

It is not a question of if but when a tsunami will hit New Zealand's most populous area, says Auckland region civil defence.

Emergency management group spokesman Jim Stephens said households should have a "B Ready" kit containing survival equipment such as radio and batteries, torch, water and food.

Dreads shed

Rotorua teenager Stephanie Haveman cried as her beloved dreadlocks were snipped off one by one, raising $1659 for the Red Cross.

Stephanie, 17, had no money to donate so gave up the coloured, decorated and twisted dreads for which she is well-known among her friends.

Trauma checks

Doctors are being warned to check patients who have returned from tsunami-affected areas for psychological trauma and infectious diseases.

The Health Ministry said a higher risk of disease was likely in these areas because of disruption to food and water supplies.

Counselling support

A team of New Zealand mental health specialists is going to Sri Lanka to help develop counselling and psychiatric support services for tsunami survivors.

- NZPA