NZ's Defence Force is expected to leave for Tonga this morning to assess damage from the weekend's volcanic eruption and tsunami.
A P3 Orion will leave as soon as it's believed to be safe, with ash in the air causing trouble for planes.
Communication to Tonga remains difficult, but the first pictures from the islands show roads, cars and debris covered in a layer of ash.
NZ's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta talks to Sarah Robson.
