Source: Radio New Zealand
A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft has deployed to the Gisborne region to help recovery efforts following last week’s severe weather. Supplied
Close to 140 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, including some who whakapapa to Tai Rāwhiti, are being mobilised to support communities on the East Coast affected by last week’s severe weather.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopter is helping provide access to isolated communities in the Gisborne and wider East Coast region. On Wednesday, it delivered supplies to Hick’s Bay and Te Araroa.
On Thursday, a C-130J Hercules aircraft transported a local emergency response group of 25 New Zealand Army soldiers along with essential stores and equipment.
The personnel are under the guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collier, who said the first priority is to get on the ground and see where they can best support the region.
The task unit includes specialist military experts in environmental health, engineering capabilities and civil defence coordination.
“The first step for us will be enhancing our situational awareness to have the right people in the right places,” Collier said.
“We are New Zealand’s Defence Force and we pride ourselves on being available and ready to support national requirements. The majority of individuals join the military to serve our country, so any opportunity we get to support our nation is one we will take. Our soldiers, sailors and seamen take great pride in responding where needed.”
A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft has deployed to the Gisborne region to help recovery efforts following last week’s severe weather. Supplied
He said it was “awesome” to be in Tairāwhiti and supporting what has already been a massive effort by the region and communities, and building on that.
Over the past 24 hours, more soldiers were deployed in support of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), including an Engineer Task Unit of 30 personnel with diggers and dump trucks, a Combat Services Support Element of 40 personnel including caterers and maintenance support, an environment health team to support water testing and environmental assessments, and Liaison Officers who will provide situational awareness in affected areas.
A transport platoon will use Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) to move personnel, equipment and stores.
The NZDF initially deployed personnel in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, integrating into regional response efforts, including liaison officers and drivers along with 10 military vehicles.
Personnel assisted with the evacuation of civilians in the Bay of Plenty, and worked with Police and Hato Hone St John in Northland on evacuation tasks. RNZAF NH90 helicopters have supported search and rescue tasks as well as surveillance flights over affected areas.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka said the NZDF was always ready to support civil defence and emergency response efforts.
“NEMA has requested support from the NZDF to help communities recovering from the impact of the recent weather events, and we have mobilised personnel, vehicles and aircraft to support local authorities on the East Coast.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
