Australia deploys emergency team to NZ cyclone response

Australian disaster experts are set to arrive in New Zealand within the next 24 hours to help first responders following Cyclone Gabrielle.

New Zealand’s worst storm in decades caused devastating flooding on the north Island and a state of emergency was declared.

At least six people have died and more than 10,000 people are displaced.

Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said New Zealand had assisted Australia during the black summer bushfires and more recently with floods.

“Our neighbours have been there for us and we are more than willing to return the favour in their hour of need,” he said.

A team of 25 impact assessment experts from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and other states will be deployed within the next 24 hours to help New Zealand first responders.

Mr Watt said Australian responders had, unfortunately, become experts in floods response and recovery following recent natural disasters in many states.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia would be ready to assist if more help was needed in coming weeks.

“Whether it be as far away as Turkey or as close as New Zealand, we stand ready to do our part to help our international counterparts in times of distress,” she said.

– AAP