NZDF starts to pull out of Samoa

New Zealand Defence Force is beginning to wind down its work in Samoa after last month's devastating earthquake and tsunami, which left more than 150 people dead.

The army, navy and air force all sent personnel to help with the clean up, provide shelter to the homeless, and help restore essential services.

The navy's multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury spent yesterday loading two air force Iroquois helicopters, vehicles and other plant in readiness to leave Apia today.

However, the Defence Force said the departure of Canterbury and other defence personnel did not signal the end of New Zealand's assistance to Samoa.

Air force Wing Commander Karl Harvey said the impact of the tsunami had been felt across the South Pacific.

"The tragic loss of life cannot be reversed but we hope that with our contribution to the combined aid effort, the people of Samoa and Tonga can start down the road to recovery and rebuild their respective communities and countries."

More than 150 personnel from the navy, army and air force were part of the aid programme from New Zealand.

An air force Orion flew over the area for three days to assess the damage and search the coastline for bodies or survivors.

The air force also put on seven flights from New Zealand using Hercules transport aircraft and Boeing 757 aircraft.

They delivered 12 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies and 22 tonnes of general aid including tents, caskets, chainsaws, tooling, shelter boxes, tarpaulins, food, and water.

An Australian air force Hercules also flew two flights from New Zealand, delivering air force helicopters and other aid.

During the clean up the military helped repair local fishing vessels, and repaired and replaced fresh water pipelines.

Navy divers did underwater searches of the southern lagoons for bodies, damage inspections of Aleipata Wharf, environmental reef surveys and removed underwater obstacles.

Canterbury's cargo had included 80 tonnes of general aid, six tonnes of medical equipment and supplies, seven tonnes of plumbing supplies, 128 tonnes of power poles and Fale poles and four tonnes of electrical supplies.

Army medics also helped in the most badly damaged zones and in hospitals and medical centres.

- NZPA