NZ bushfire contingent to be farewelled by PM

Desperate families have posted signs warning visitors to stay away from their ruined properties. Photo / Getty Images

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An Australia-bound contingent of New Zealand firefighters and related staff will be farewelled by Prime Minister John Key in Auckland on Friday.

The team of 53 firefighters, crew leaders and management staff from rural fire authorities were likely to face their biggest career challenge as bushfires in Victoria continue to burn and take lives.

The team will leave Auckland on a Boeing 757 provided by the New Zealand Defence Force and are scheduled to stay for the next 18 days.

Minister responsible for New Zealand's fire services Richard Worth said it was pleasing to be able to offer practical assistance.

He said there was an agreement of mutual support between the Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the NZ National Rural Fire Authority to help each other with wildfire suppression and management activities.

NZ National Rural Fire officer Murray Dudfield said a formal request from the DSE followed discussions between Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Mr Key last weekend.

Mr Dudfield said the team of 53 was the right number logistically, and another 50 or so could be called on to head over in a couple of weeks depending on how the situation panned out in Victoria.

He said the firefighting team would have remote high country and forestry firefighting experience.

By Sunday the contingent will provide relief for, and allow rest days to be taken by some fire crews and management involved in battling the blazes.

At least 180 people had been confirmed dead from the fires today, but the count was expected to rise by dozens.

At least one New Zealander has been killed in the tragedy.

The Government has kickstarted a fund for Australian bushfire victims with a $500,000 donation.

The fund is being run by the New Zealand Red Cross and people can donate to it through www.redcross.org.nz or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 33200.

- NZPA

New Zealand's Red Cross and Salvation Army are accepting donations for those affected by the fires in Victoria.

Red Cross: Donations can be made by visiting redcross.org.nz, calling 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 donation, sending a cheque to Australian Bushfire Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington, 6144, or by visiting any Red Cross service centre.

Salvation Army: Donate online at salvationarmy.org.nz or post to The Salvation Army, PO Box 27001, Marion Square, Wellington, 6164.