HMNZS Canterbury arrives in Port Vila

A young boy plays with a ball as his mother searches through the ruins of their family home in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Photo / Getty Images

The HMNZS Canterbury has arrived in Port Vila to provide disaster relief following the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam.

The New Zealand Defence Force sealift and amphibious support ship will offload 150 tonnes of food and other supplies at Port Vila.

It will then load other aid including hygiene packs and water purification equipment, destined for Epi Island and others in the Shepherd Islands group, about 100km north.

Commander of the New Zealand Task Force, Colonel Glenn King, said its aim was to support the people of Vanuatu.

"Now that HMNZS Canterbury is here we have the supplies to address immediate needs such as, providing clean water, materials to repair buildings and the ability reassure the local people."

A C-130 Hercules from the Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Whenuapai was also due to arrive in Port Vila today, carrying medical supplies and communication equipment.

A B200 King Air from 42 squadron in Ohakea is already working in Vanuatu providing transport and reconnaissance flights.