The New Zealand Defence Force personnel in Australia have been faced with grim tasks and seen devastation first-hand, but they're pleased to be able to help out.
NZ Army's 2ER personnel at Kangaroo Island's Hanson Bay Wildlife Reserve. Photo: Supplied / NZ Defence Force
The NZDF currently has 116 personnel deployed to Australia including New Zealand Army engineers, environmental health and primary health teams, as well as Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters, C-130 Hercules and crew who are supporting the Australian Defence Force efforts on the bushfires.
LCPL Schroder and LT Pinheiro help rescue a koala in Findlers Chase National Park. Photo: Supplied / NZ Defence Force
Air crews operating out of Richmond Air Force Base near Sydney have been carrying out tasks including transporting fuel, water and food for livestock.
Meanwhile, NZ Army engineers on Kangaroo Island have helped clear routes for emergency services and have helped complete 85 kilometres of fire breaks.
They've also had the job of removing bodies of wildlife - including kangaroos - who died in the devastating fires.
But they've also been constructing feeding stations for koalas and providing gum leaves and water to koalas who urvived the blaze.
Senior National Officer Major Ron Christmas said it had been special to see some animals survive.
"We know there is a very long road ahead for the recovery effort but we've been pleased to play our part," he said.
"The sheer scale of the devastation is quite overwhelming when you see it first-hand, so we're very pleased to be able to help our neighbours with people power and resources," Major Christmas said.
The NZDF contingent is expected to remain in Australia at least until the end of January.
NZ Army's 2ER undergo tree felling tasks at Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island Photo: Supplied / NZ Defence Force
