NZ aid arrives in Tonga

The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered 12 tonnes of aid and disaster relief supplies to communities in Tonga affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has delivered 12 tonnes of aid and disaster relief supplies to communities in Tonga affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules carrying aid and a 10-member initial assessment team led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) arrived at Fua’amotu International Airport on the main Tongan island of Tongatapu on Tuesday evening.

The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered 12 tonnes of aid and disaster relief supplies to communities in Tonga affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

“Tonga is a close neighbour of New Zealand and we stand ready to assist our neighbours in times like these,” Air Commodore McEvoy said.

The supplies from MFAT’s emergency stores included 500 family hygiene kits, 200 shelter tool kits, 2300 10-litre collapsible water containers and 1000 tarpaulins.

The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered 12 tonnes of aid and disaster relief supplies to communities in Tonga affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita.

The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered 12 tonnes of aid and disaster relief supplies to communities in Tonga affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita.