The New Zealand Defence Force’s Operation Cook Islands Assist (Op CI ASSIST) helped the local population of Aitutaki clean up the damage from Cyclone Pat, which hit the island on 13 February 2010.
Aid arrived at a crucial time and supplies of fresh water, food and temporary shelters provided relief for the people of the island. Defence Force personnel worked alongside local people to help restore essential services and some sense of normality after the devastating damage from the cyclone. A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 aircraft from No 40 Squadron ferried supplies from the main island of Rarotonga to Aitutaki. It successfully completed four flights, delivering a range of aid including:
- a water purification plant from Australia
- temporary shelters
- blankets and food stuffs
- electrical cabling
- water containers, and
- 2 bobcat diggers.
Senior National Officer for Op CI ASSIST, Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki said, “People on the island were very welcoming and appreciative of New Zealand’s help. There was a lot of work to do to restore essential services before they began the rebuilding process, but the work has now begun.”
The Defence Force team returned to New Zealand on 1 March, following a rewarding experience working with the local community.