Hugs, kisses and a happy welcome home

HMNZS Canterbury's commanding officer, Commander Simon Rooke, is welcomed home by his daughters yesterday. Photo / NZ Defence Force

A Defence Force vessel carrying more than 150 staff who helped with the relief effort in storm-ravaged Vanuatu has returned to New Zealand after more than a month away.

The amphibious sealift vessel HMNZS Canterbury returned to the Devonport Naval Base yesterday morning after playing a key role in New Zealand's support in the wake of tropical cyclone Pam.

Navy, army and air force personnel have been assisting the cyclone-ravaged nation during the past four weeks.

In total more than 350 New Zealand Defence Force staff have helped with the relief effort, both in Vanuatu and in New Zealand, since Cyclone Pam hit on March 13.

The Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Tim Gall, said the Defence Force - working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and aid partners New Zealand Fire Service, Urban Search and Rescue and a Ministry of Health medical assistance team - had been able to make a significant contribution to Vanuatu's recovery.

"I'm very proud of all the work they've done, in a variety of locations and environments," he said.

"There have been some big challenges along the way, but rendering assistance in these situations is something we train and exercise quite intensely for and are well-equipped to deliver on land, at sea and in the air."

HMNZS Canterbury was deployed on March 23 with 150 tonnes of food, water and emergency supplies on board.