New Zealand Defence Force Assisting Recovery Efforts On East CoastThe New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is continuing to deploy a range of air and land capabilities to assist communities affected by last week’s severe weather, with close to 140 personnel supporting or ready to support recovery efforts. A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft has deployed to the Gisborne region to help recovery efforts following last week’s severe weather (Photo/Supplied)A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopter is helping provide access to isolated communities in the Gisborne and wider East Coast region and yesterday delivered supplies to Hick’s Bay and Te Araroa. Today, a C-130J Hercules aircraft is transporting a Local Emergency Response Group of 25 New Zealand Army soldiers along with essential stores and equipment. A transport platoon will use Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) to move personnel, equipment and stores. Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka said the NZDF was always ready to support civil defence and emergency response efforts.