NZ continues to ramp up its humanitarian aid operation in Fiji

The Commander of the Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Tim Gall will arrive in the country tomorrow as New Zealand continues to ramp up its humanitarian aid operation in Fiji.

During his visit, Major General Gall will meet with local officials including the Minister for Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu, Army Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto.

As Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Gall has operational‑level command and control of virtually all operations and exercises in New Zealand and overseas.

The New Zealand Defence Force’s humanitarian aid operation in Fiji is one of its largest peacetime deployments to the Pacific.

Close to 500 combat engineers, soldiers, sailors and aircrew, two ships and six aircraft including two multi‑role helicopters have been deployed since the 21st of last month to support the New Zealand government’s assistance to Fiji as it recovers from the cyclone.

The HMNZS Canterbury is anchored off Lomaloma in Northern Lau, and is serving as the maritime base for the NZ Defence Force’s humanitarian aid operation in the northern outlying islands.

Offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington is also operating in Northern Lau and has delivered boxes of tin food, crackers and vaccines and bales of tree saplings to affected communities on Yacata Island.

Almost 300 combat engineers and naval personnel are supporting the rebuilding at Lomaloma.

Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters continue to deliver aid supplies and transport Fijian government staff to outlying islands devastated by the cyclone.

The Canterbury’s Seasprite helicopter has been transporting civilian medical volunteers from New Zealand and staff from Fiji’s disaster management office from Vanuabalavu to nearby islands in northern Lau.