Photos courtesy NZ Defence

THE HMNZS Canterbury anchored west of the tsunami-affected Tongan island of Niuatoputapu, and on October 14, 2009, was operating the embarked No 6 SQN Seasprite helicopter and the ship's Zodiac Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to move aid and supplies to the shore.

A statement from the New Zealand Defence Force yesterday said that reconnaissance is being carried out for use of the landing craft to move further supplies to the island today, October 15. The helicopter storage hangar, big enough to take three helicopters, is full of aid destined for Niuatoputapu, including items donated by the Tongan community in New Zealand.

Commanding Officer Commander Jim Gilmour, says the HMNZS Canterbury is very important to the recovery of Niuatoputapu.

"While emergency supplies have been delivered to the island via French Auxiliary Ship and Tongan Patrol craft, the amount of reconstruction equipment and materials able to be delivered has been limited due to the small size of those vessels. Canterbury presents the ability to transfer heavy vehicles ashore in her Landing Craft which are needed to commence the clean up and recovery from this natural disaster."

The HMNZS Canterbury berthed in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday, October 13 to take on vehicles, supplies and personnel, and Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele visited the ship.

She is anticipated to arrive in Samoa on Friday morning (New Zealand time), with twelve containers of aid cargo donated by New Zealanders.