Qld sends rescue, medical experts to NZ

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Almost 100 rescue and medical specialists from Queensland are bound for earthquake ravaged Christchurch.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said a search and rescue team left Brisbane's Amberley airbase for New Zealand on Wednesday morning.

On board the flight were 72 search and rescue experts along with 22 tonnes of specialist equipment.

"These are some of the best trained, best experienced people that we can provide from Australia," she told reporters in Kuranda, near Cairns.

"These are people who have experience in the Samoan and Sumatran earthquakes, searching through rubble and they'll be taking those skills (to Christchurch)."

Many of the team were involved in search and rescue operations in the Lockyer Valley following last month's devastating floods.

A 23-member medical team, including surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses, is also expected to arrive in Christchurch from Queensland by Wednesday night.

Describing the situation in New Zealand as "heartbreaking" Ms Bligh promised the state would provide resources for as long as they were needed.

"We'll be there not just today but in the coming weeks and months, doing whatever we can to help them in this terrible, shocking tragedy."

She said the state had a field hospital on standby if New Zealand authorities requested it, and the state was in discussions to send a team of police officers to Christchurch.

- AAP