22 February 2011

The Army mobilises immediately, deploying soldiers into the city to help. Medical teams from Burnham Military Camp are dispatched to four different locations around Christchurch to work with local health officials while soldiers staff cordons around the city. Meanwhile, Army ambulances and personnel assist with various search and rescue tasks throughout the city.

160 

personnel Immediately offloaded in lyttelton from HMNZS CANTERBURY

At the time, HMNZS Canterbury is in Lyttelton preparing for a military exercise. It immediately offloads 160 personnel to assist. They provide meals to the community, security for businesses, and a command and control hub. Meanwhile, personnel at Burnham Military Camp provide the tactical coordination for NZDF relief efforts. Burnham also becomes a secure base where police and coroners can work.

23 February 2011

NZDF personnel work through the night to help ensure the safety of the people of Christchurch with Army, Air Force, and Navy personnel deployed throughout the city. The Army’s capability is visually evident around the central city, 77 Unimogs transport equipment and stores, and 47 Pinzgauer Light Operational vehicles are constantly on the move in the broken city. 28 Light Armoured Vehicles are also working in the area.

Almost all roads were covered in water, mud and liquefaction, large holes opened up with trapped cars swallowed inside. People were leaving so quickly that there were café tables sitting there still set with food, coats on chairs and empty streets.

Major Tim Tuatini, Executive Officer 2/1 RNZIR

Once the port opens, personnel on board HMNZS Canterbury work with the Army to transport essential goods from Wellington to Lyttelton, returning with supplies, excavators, trucks and trailers. Army catering teams and engineers provide food, water, shelter and sanitation to whomever is in need, from the rescue workers in Christchurch, to the citizens of Canterbury. Personnel visit houses to check on their occupants.

NZDF provides more than 300 service personnel to staff the cordon around the worst affected area of Christchurch's CBD. 

2 March 2011