Tonga assistance

Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules carrying aid supplies and an initial assessment team led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is on its way for the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa on the main island of Tongatapu.

“We are working with MFAT to get aid supplies to Tonga as soon as possible and stand ready to provide further assistance as required,” Air Commodore McEvoy said.

Exercise Tropic Twilight 2016 is a recurring activity that will be conducted this year in Tonga’s Ha’apai group of islands from 7-29 July. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is funding the projects being delivered as part of the New Zealand Aid Programme.

The humanitarian activity also involves military personnel from Tonga, the United States, China, France and Australia.