Defence Force supports South Island floods
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is providing support in the Westport, Greymouth and the Nelson-Tasman areas following the severe weather in the South Island.
18 August, 2022
The New Zealand Army currently has 14 personnel from Burnham Military Camp deployed to the West Coast to assist local authorities. Personnel are located in Westport with the Buller Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and in Greymouth with the Westland Regional Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC). Personnel have assisted with the delivery of supplies, weather barriers, sandbagging and an evacuation.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has deployed 25 personnel from Base Woodbourne to assist the Nelson Tasman EOC.
The New Zealand Army Reserve Unit in Nelson, 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) assisted the Nelson Tasman EOC last night with one Liaison Officer and five Reservists with a Unimog truck, they helped 10 Nelson residents leave their properties. 2/4 RNZIR now remains on standby if required.
New Zealand Army soldiers in Westport on Wednesday, 17 August
By the numbers
In Westport
- One Army liaison officer embedded at the EOC
- Six personnel
- Two UNIMOG trucks
- One HX60 MHOV truck (with crane)
In Greymouth
- One Army liaison officer embedded at the ECC
- Six personnel
- One UNIMOG truck
- One HX58 MHOV truck (with crane)
- One HX60 MHOV truck
In Nelson
- One RNZAF liaison officer embedded at the EOC
- 25 personnel
- Two UNIMOG trucks
- Three 4x4 vehicles
- One ten seater van
NZDF personnel are ready to assist as directed by the civil authorities. For all the latest NZDF updates click here.