New Zealand Defence Force staff are preparing to return home from Fiji, where they have been providing aid in the aftermath of Cyclone Winston.
HMNZS Wellington being loaded with aid in Fiji post Cylone Winston Photo: NZ Defence Force
One of New Zealand's biggest peacetime deployments to the Pacific, the Fiji operation included 500 defence staff, two ships and six aircraft.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said the operation had strengthened relations with the Fijian government.
The NZDF NH90 refuels before another aid drop to remote villages in Fiji Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
Chief of Staff of the New Zealand Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Van Welie, said despite the devastation, Fiji will recover.
"They are really focussed on getting back on their feet. There's a real strong spirit out there where they say they won't be defeated by tropical Cyclone Winston and Fiji will rise again."
More than $15 million had been spent on relief so far.
The government said its efforts would now turn to reconstruction and the rebuilding of schools and health facilities.
Meanwhile, another tropical depression brought heavy rain and flooding overnight to the island of Vanua Levu.