Army engineers, heavy equipment, support vehicles and other NZDF soldiers were transported up the East Coast today to assist with storm recovery in Te Araroa and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay. Photo / Kara Moir
Army engineers, heavy equipment, support vehicles and other NZDF soldiers were transported up the East Coast today to assist with storm recovery in Te Araroa and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay. Photo / Kara Moir
There has been great excitement for the storm-devastated East Coast with the Army arriving to give vital help to recovery works.
New Zealand Army engineers, heavy equipment and support staff have been deployed to the top of the East Cape.
The NZ Defence Force indicated close to 140 personnelwould be involved, ready to support recovery efforts.
A Royal NZ Air Force C-130J Hercules brought the first batch of personnel to Gisborne on Thursday and the others arrived by road that night.
Close to 140 personnel are involved in the large-scale deployment "to get the right people in the right places" to help with the recovery. Photo / Kara Moir
An initial group of 25 soldiers with essential stores and equipment came on Thursday.
They were joined by an engineer task unit of 30 personnel with diggers and dump trucks, and a combat services support element of 40 personnel, including caterers and maintenance support.
There was also an environment health team to support water testing and environmental assessments, along with liaison officers.
The deployment includes a transport platoon with medium and heavy operational vehicles to move personnel, equipment and stores.
A military convoy headed up State Highway 35 today to lend their assistance to the storm-devastated communities and recovery efforts. Photo / Kara Moir
Commander Joint Forces NZ Major General Rob Krushka said the NZDF was always ready to support Civil Defence and emergency response efforts.
“Nema (National Emergency Management Agency) has requested support from the NZDF to help communities recovering from the impact of the recent weather events.
“We have mobilised personnel, vehicles and aircraft to support local authorities on the East Coast.”
They are being led by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collier, who said the first priority was to get on the ground and see where they could best support the region.
“The first step for us will be enhancing our situational awareness to have the right people in the right places.
“We are NZ’s defence force and we pride ourselves on being available and ready to support national requirements.
Their soldiers, sailors and air personnel “take great pride in responding where needed”, he said.
Collier said it was “awesome” to be in Tairāwhiti “to support what has already been a massive effort by the region and communities, and building on that”.
