The C-130 Hercules from No 40 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is continuing to deliver aid and humanitarian assistance to the northern islands in the Fiji group.

Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki, who is in Fiji with the contingent of NZ Defence Force personnel says, "During a reconnaissance flight over Taveuni and the northern tip of Vanua Levu we saw more damage than we'd seen previously, although this was not total destruction.

"Fijian ground assessment teams are moving to or are at the outer islands. Their assessments in conjunction with the aerial images will provide the Fijian Government with a clearer picture of the extent of the damage."

The NZ Defence Force continues to work with its FRANZ partners France and Australia and the Fiji authorities to assist in the aftermath of this destructive cyclone.

Phillip Taula, New Zealand's Acting High Commissioner in Fiji said that, "Having the New Zealand and Australian C-130s in Fiji so quickly after Cyclone Tomas has allowed us to provide the Fijian authorities with aerial reconnaissance information and deliver emergency supplies to those that most need them. "There is a high level of cooperation between the different agencies working on the ground to support the humanitarian effort and Australia and New Zealand will continue to work together to support the response to Cyclone Tomas."