NZ sends 21 firefighters across Tasman
New Zealand is sending 21 firefighters to Australia to help fight the devastating blazes raging along the eastern seaboard.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she had been in contact with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who said he was very grateful for the additional support.
“We have been exchanging a number of messages over what are devastating fires.”
Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin said fire crews in Australia faced tough, challenging conditions.
The New Zealand contingent of six three-person crews, consisting of two taskforce leaders and one liaison officer, will start work today. The 21 firefighters are in addition to the six Kiwi personnel already helping in NSW. Martin said the request for assistance recognised the high regard in which Fire and Emergency personnel were held internationally.
Ardern said the New Zealand crews would help ease the burden on Australian firefighters.
“Obviously there will be fatigue for those firefighters who are on the ground and we’re looking to have those New Zealand firefighters help relieve that.”
Martin said Fire and Emergency would stay in contact with Australian fire authorities about their needs.
She said the situation in Australia was extremely dynamic and numbers sent could change at short notice.
Speaking in the House, Martin said New Zealanders will remember the challenges faced during the Tasman wildfires this year.
During that event, Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded quickly and capably, she said.
The deployment is part of the reciprocal arrangements New Zealand has with Australia, the United States and Canada.
In the past 12 months, 140 New Zealand firefighters have gone to help in Australia.