Earthquake: evacuation of foreign nationals

According to NZ Civil Defence, operations will begin on 15 November to evacuate foreign nationals from Kaikoura. Four NZ Defence Force NH90 helicopters will be deployed to Kaikoura from Christchurch to deliver resources to the area and will then return to Christchurch bearing foreign nationals as passengers.

This operation will be coordinated by the Canterbury Civil Defence & Emergency Management (CDEM) Group and possibly the Red Cross. There will be a triage process in Kaikoura to identify who should travel on these flights.

Flights will land into Christchurch airport. Arrangements for people arriving on those flights, ensuring they are able to access emergency shelter if needed, will be managed by the Christchurch city council

Also, the HMNZS Canterbury naval vessel has been sent to Kaikoura and will begin evacuating people at first light on Wednesday 16th Nov, weather and sea state permitting.

If you are blocked in Kaikoura, please contact the Embassy on the emergency phone line (below) as well as Mrs Martine Marshall, Honorary Consul in Christchurch.

Embassy’s emergency phone number:
+ 64 21 399 309 (from abroad)
021 399 309 (from New Zealand)

Mrs Martine Marshall :
+ 64 21 044 9077 (from abroad)
021 044 9077 (from New Zealand)