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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.
Also amongst those confirmed dead include Raglan woman Mary Ann White and an unidentified person.
The total death toll last night stood at 189 - 149 in Samoa, 31 in American Samoa and nine in Tonga, but was expected to rise further.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Key flies to Apia today to give the Samoan government a personal assurance of New Zealand's commitment to helping the island state recover from the deadly tsunami.
Bodies were still being found on the wrecked coastline and survivors said they had seen truckloads arriving in Apia.
Diplomatic staff are still trying to contact about 200 New Zealanders thought to be in Samoa on the day of the quake. Some of them may have returned home.
Mr Key was expected to arrive about noon and spend about seven hours in the Samoan capital before flying home on an air force Hercules.
He said he was making a brief visit because he didn't want it to distract from the life-saving work that was going on.
"It is important that I reassure Samoan leaders, face to face, that New Zealand stands ready to assist - not just with short-term disaster relief but with long-term reconstruction."
The Queen has also sent a message of condolence to Samoa.
"I was very concerned to hear of the recent tsunami that has affected the South Pacific Islands, especially Samoa. I was saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life. Prince Philip joins me in sending condolences to Your Highness, and to the people of Samoa."
Foreign Minister Murray McCully arrived in Apia yesterday to help co-ordinate New Zealand's emergency relief effort.
Military transport aircraft and air force Boeing 757s have been flying shuttle operations to take desperately needed supplies to Samoa.
Another earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck last night, but caused no damage.
- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
How you can help
Pacific Cooperation Foundation
Deposits can be made at at any Westpac branch. All the money raised will go to the Samoan Government
Red Cross
- Make a secure online donation at redcross.org.nz
- Send cheques to the Samoan Red Cross Fund, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
- Call 0900 31 100 to make an automatic $20 donation
- Make a donation at any NZ Red Cross office
ANZ bank
Make a donation at any ANZ bank branch, or donate directly to the ANZ appeal account: 01 1839 0143546 00
Oxfam
- Make a secure online donation at
Oxfam.org.nz
- Phone 0800 400 666 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20
