A Masterton couple are anxiously waiting as their 20-year-old aid worker daughter tries to make her way out of crisis-stricken Kenya.
Carrie Ryan said her daughter Sarah would probably have to wait until next week for an available flight because it is like "rats on a sinking ship"in Kenyan capital Nairobi.
More than 600 people have been killed and thousands have fled the country after political elections went sour on December 27.
Mrs Ryan said, like any concerned parent, she was worried but was optimistic her daughter will return safely.
"She's a free agent and you're not going to pull her down."
Ms Ryan left New Zealand for the first time six weeks ago and arrived in western Kenya, where she volunteered at relief agency Mama na Dada.
She has had to put together a plan to get back to New Zealand after violence spread throughout Kenya.
Ms Ryan has had to overcome obstacles such as not being allowed to travel alone and having to survive on a restricted diet due to food shortages.
On Monday, she managed to get a flight to Nairobi where she is waiting for a flight to New Zealand via Dubai.
Mrs Ryan said the flights are very busy but she is hoping her daughter can get one by Wednesday.
There are 57 New Zealanders in Kenya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said. It has advised against all tourist and non-essential travel there.
