The HMNZS Canterbury arrives in Suva today from New Zealand on her way to carry out disaster relief and rehabilitation works in Vanuabalavu, Lau.

The island is among maritime islands battered by Tropical Cyclone Winston last week.

New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) JO5 public affairs manager Luz Baguioro said yesterday that the multi-role vessel was carrying tonnes of aid supplies and 293 military personnel.

“They will assist in Fiji’s disaster relief efforts,” Ms Baguioro said.

NZ Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said this was just the latest component of the NZDF’s contribution to the relief effort in Fiji in the aftermath of TC Winston.

“First on the scene after Tropical Cyclone Winston was an Air Force P3K2 Orion doing reconnaissance work, followed by C-130 Hercules flights carrying initial relief supplies and personnel,” he said.

“An Air Force’s Boeing 757 was also involved, ferrying personnel and relief equipment and stores to Fiji. The offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington is now here carrying an engineering advance party as well as other personnel. It will work with the multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury when it arrives.”

Mr Brownless said combined with its two integral landing craft, the HMNZS Canterbury had the capability to get supplies and personnel where they were needed quickly on Fiji’s badly-hit smaller islands where there were limited or no facilities.

“This large deployment of personnel, ships and aircraft shows how committed New Zealand is to support the Government and people of Fiji as they respond to this disaster.

“As with all of our Pacific neighbours, the NZDF stands ready to assist when such disasters occur.

“This response shows the value of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises the NZDF participates in on a regular basis, such as Tropic Twilight and Pacific Partnership,” he said.

Edited by Maikeli Seru

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