Details of missing NZers emerge as victims return home

Victims of the Samoa tsunami are transferred to waiting ambulances after being flown to Whenuapai airbase in the early hours of this morning.

A group of New Zealanders injured in Wednesday's tsunami off Samoa arrived back in New Zealand early this morning.

Fourteen injured people, with six family members, were transported by the Air Force and landed at the Whenuapai Air Base. They have been taken to several hospitals around the country.

Three Britons and two Germans, all injured, were also understood to be on the flight.

About 20 New Zealanders are known to have been injured, and Acting Prime Minister Bill English said yesterday 10 were serious cases.

New Zealand is sending a second Air Force Iroquois helicopter to the islands today.

A Hercules is taking a water purification unit and a light operational vehicle. Air New Zealand is adding an additional flight from Auckland.

The death toll from the tsunami has risen to around 180 with three New Zealanders confirmed dead.

Auckland toddler, Alfie Cunliffe is missing and believed to have died when he was swept out to sea as the tsunami hit.

The two-year-old and his parents Gary and Jill were holidaying at the Taufua Lodge in Lalomanu, the village which bore the brunt of the massive waves.

Alphie's body is yet to be found.

Mr Cunliffe was also carried out to sea, but survived by clinging to the coral reef.

He was swept back in with the second wave and was treated in hospital for internal injuries.

Hopes are also fading for Matamata sisters Petria and Rebecca Martin, who have been missing since Wednesday.

South Auckland grandmother, Tauaavaga Tupuola - grandmother of Kiwis rugby league star Matt Utai - was one of those confirmed dead.

The 84-year-old was swept to her death along with her daughter Bula Okei, 28, and three-year-old granddaughter Sima, The Dominion Post reported today.

Mrs Tupuola was visiting family at the isolated southern Samoan beach of Aganoa when she died.

She had surprised family with her first visit to her homeland since emigrating to New Zealand more than 30 years ago.