Hundreds of NZ rescuers on standby

A flooded house between Rockhampton and Gracemere. Photo / The Morning Bulletin

Hundreds of New Zealand engineers, divers, search and rescue specialists and civil defence personnel are on standby to head to Queensland within days, while the state braces itself for peaking water levels.

Prime Minister John Key, who arrived back from his holiday in Hawaii yesterday morning, said a financial assistance package was also likely, but the details had to be worked out.

"Our thoughts are with our friends in Australia. We know it's a very difficult situation for them and we'll be doing whatever we can on this side of the Tasman to try and help ease the burden," Mr Key said.

Last night, 12 deaths had been reported, and up to 90 people were still missing. This morning the death toll had risen to 13, with 43 missing.

River levels were expected to peak at high tide about 4am (7am NZT) today.

Mr Key said he had not received any reports on whether any of the missing were New Zealanders, but so far no Kiwis had died or been seriously injured in the floods.

"But given the scale of what's happened and the number of New Zealanders either working or holidaying in Australia, we can't rule that out.

"The scale of what is unfolding in Australia is quite clearly enormous. You've got a state that is virtually completely underwater. "

Mr Key spoke yesterday evening to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who thanked him for New Zealand's offer of further assistance.

A NZ civil defence team of 15 personnel is already working in the Condamine area, 290km west of Brisbane. They had a rest day yesterday, although they did do some equipment maintenance.

The team have been relocating households to avoid water damage, and the locals are said to have been welcoming and grateful for their efforts.

The team will finish up on January 22, and another team of 15 will leave for the state within four days.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Jerry Mateparae has been talking to his Australian counterpart, and potentially hundreds of Defence Force personnel could head to Queensland within days, including search and rescue teams, engineers and divers.

The Fire Service has up to 60 people ready to head over, including urban search and rescue teams, and police divers could also be sent.

"We are trying to make sure we are offering support that is actually useful and isn't getting in the way," Mr Key said.

As well as specialised help, the teams could also provide manpower to give other workers a break from the testing, humid conditions.

Mr Key offered his condolences to those who had lost loved ones, adding that New Zealand had been through recent tragedies "so we know absolutely the type of emotions that will be going through the community".

Queensland had provided assistance during the Pike River disaster, he said, so it was only fitting that New Zealand offered any assistance it could.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has also offered assistance to the sister city of Brisbane and has sent a message of support to the lord mayor, Campbell Newman.

"The latest information is that they have all the resources they need to manage the situation," Mr Brown said, "but we will continue to keep in touch as it progresses."

CONTACTS

* For consulate help in locating New Zealanders in Queensland, call 0800-432-111.

* People considering travelling to Queensland should check safetravel.govt.nz.

* Donations via NZ Red Cross

* Donations via ANZ at any branch to the ANZ (NZ) Australian Floods Appeal at account number 01 1839 0224522 00 or via internet banking.