13 April 2007
The New Zealand Defence Force is sending another Air Force C-130 Hercules to the Solomon Islands to deliver emergency supplies into the areas worst hit by the earthquake and tsunami of April 2.
The Hercules will depart from Whenuapai Air Force Base on Sunday carrying NZAID and other humanitarian supplies, including clothes, tents, tarpaulins and generators.
Acting Air Component Commander Group Captain Steve Moore said the supplies would be flown to Munda air field 30km South of Gizo for distribution to those in need.
“Sunday’s flight will be the third Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules flight sent to deliver emergency supplies to the Solomon Islands. The NZDF aircraft loading team sent last Sunday has worked tirelessly for the past week to increase the speed at which aid is delivered.”
The aircraft loading team will return to New Zealand on the C-130 Hercules on Monday afternoon.
A contingent of 43 New Zealand regular and territorial force soldiers will remain in the country in support of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338. For information regarding NZAID efforts in the Solomon Islands contact Catrina McDiarmid, NZAID, on 04 439 8314 or 021 588827.