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Source: ONE News -
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It has taken longer than expected to load up the Navy's newest vessel, the HMNZS Canterbury, for an aid run to Samoa.
The crew has been working out how to stow 500 large fale poles, which are among tonnes of aid leaving Devonport Naval Base on Saturday.
"Some fairly difficult and unexpected loads, like fale poles. Over 1000 of those have arrived. We're doing our best to leave nothing on the jetty," says Commodore Jim Gilmore, HMNZS Canterbury Commander.
The air shipment is now more a reconstruction effort than
disaster relief - engineering vehicles, water purifiers and lots of
wood.
Defence minister Wayne Mapp and former All Black Michael Jones were
on hand to help load up the ship with equipment and supplies.
Jones said New Zealanders have again responded very generously to an appeal for help.
"The donations are very gratefully received. We will work with partners in Samoa to ensure the materials reach those who are most in need," Jones said.
Twelve container loads of materials were donated by members of the public and a multiple of donors from the business community. The shipment leaves Saturday morning and arrives in Apia on Tuesday next week (13 October).
At the harbour's edge, there have been songs of praise for the Defence Force aboard.
Joint Forces commander, Air Vice Marshall Peter Stockwell, says the crew is excited at the opportunity to help with tsunami relief.
He says the mission to Tonga and Samoa is a milestone in Canterbury's evolution.
As they finish lashing down the last vital pieces of equipment, organisers of a huge charity drive arrive to a look at how the donations will reach those most in need.
Until now, Canterbury has been taking part in training missions, with a little bit of aid work along the way.
Peter Stockwell says it will take about five days to reach Samoa, because a couple of stops in Tonga are planned en route, before the real work begins on the ground in Samoa.
"I think this symbolises the spirit behind New Zealanders and the spirit and the goodwill towards Samoans and tongans at this time of grief," says Jones.
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