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National | Earthquake

First US warship since NZ nuclear-free policy to assist with quake relief

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is sending the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury to help evacuate a large number of tourists and residents in Kaikoura and bring aid supplies to quake-affected areas.

The USS Sampson, due in New Zealand to take part in the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th anniversary, may be used to provide assistance according to Prime Minister John Key.

‘It has two helicopters on board,” says Key, “And the Americans have offered those two helicopters to provide ferrying services as well.

“In addition to that, the Americans have a P3 Orion, which they’re going to add to our P3 Orions to undertake the aerial surveillance work and the Malaysians have offered a helicopter.”

The USS Sampson is the first US warship to visit Aotearoa since Prime Minister David Lange’s Labour government banned nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed ships from entering New Zealand waters in 1984.

Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said the HMNZS Canterbury will sail overnight to Kaikoura from Auckland, picking up emergency supplies en-route.

The NZDF has mobilised multiple assets, including hundreds of personnel and at least six of its aircraft, to support the Government’s response to the massive earthquake.

The contingent includes a seven-member team to help assess the damage wrought by the massive 7.5 earthquake that jolted North Canterbury early on Monday.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter flew the NZDF reconnaissance team and civil defence staff to Kaikoura this afternoon.

“We are ready to provide additional support as required. We have deployed a C-130 Hercules to Christchurch in advance of anticipated tasking requests and have placed our other aircraft and vessels on standby for other tasks including transporting personnel, equipment and supplies needed for the emergency response,” AIRCDRE Webb said.

Photos taken during aerial surveys by RNZAF aircraft showed massive rockfalls in several areas in the upper South Island.

“It is clear from the photos taken by our personnel that the major route from Christchurch to Kaikoura is impassable. So is the road from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs and the one from Blenheim to Kaikoura,” AIRCDRE Webb said.

Key has indicated that relief efforts are prioritising the evacuation of approximately 140 people from Kaikoura.

The HMNZS Canterbury is due to arrive in the affected area tomorrow.