Largest navy ship leaves Auckland to assist with earthquake rescueNEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE HMNZS Canterbury berthed at Devonport, Auckland, before heading to Kaikoura to pick up stranded tourists. The largest navy ship, the HMNZS Canterbury, is on the way to Kaikoura to help rescue 500 hundred tourists stranded by Monday's 7.5 earthquake. Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury Simon Rooke said their aim is to evacuate people from Kaikoura to port town Lyttleton outside Christchurch. Commander Rooke said the HMNZS Canterbury also performed relief during the Christchurch earthquakes. Talking about his family's reaction to his unexpected departure, Commander Rooke said they were "fairly philosophical about Dad going away".

Source: Stuff November 15, 2016 03:48 UTC