Police chief praises Aussie effort

New Zealand Police Commissioner Howard Broad receives a gift Australia Federal Police Superintendent Gavan Ryan. Photo / David Alexander

Jo-Anne Zilko had no connection with New Zealand before the February earthquake. But when her bosses in Western Australia asked for volunteers to help in Christchurch, the sergeant put her hand up.

"I wanted to help the New Zealand people, and especially the New Zealand police officers. Because if something like this happened in Western Australia, I would certainly want them to come over and support us," she told the Herald.

A grateful New Zealand Police Commissioner Howard Broad yesterday promised the "fantastic effort" Australian police had made in Christchurch's earthquake recovery would not be forgotten.

"Please go back to Australia safe in the knowledge that if you ever need our assistance at any time in the future, it will be freely given," he told the final rotation of Australian police at a ceremony of thanks yesterday.

Canterbury Police district commander Superintendent Dave Cliff said the 465 Australians who served in Christchurch had been "stunningly good", while Police Association president Greg O'Connor said the officers from across the Tasman were the "cavalry" that came to New Zealand's rescue.

Sergeant Zilko said she arrived in Christchurch almost two weeks ago to find "total devastation".

Since then she has been doing "reassurance patrols" in the suburbs to make residents feel safe in partially deserted neighbourhoods.

"The New Zealand people have just been amazing. The support and the thanks we have got from them has been tremendous - totally unexpected," she said.

"We've felt we've been really important to the community. I will tell people back home that [Christchurch] will be a beautiful city, and certainly to come and visit. We've all got family at home and certainly looking forward to them. The quakes here are a little bit unnerving, so it will be nice to get back on solid ground."

The "much more relaxed" style of New Zealand Police had been good to see, and Sergeant Zilko said being unarmed in New Zealand was not an issue.

Australian Federal Police Superintendent Gavin Ryan said it had been "truly humbling" to work alongside New Zealanders.

"It's just been an absolute privilege to be here to represent our nation in Christchurch in a time of need."

The New Zealanders had been "magnificent under pressure", he said.

"Please stick at it and build the city back to what it was, and beyond."

The Australian officers were each presented pieces of pounamu yesterday to take back with them as reminders of New Zealand.