Four Police victim recovery dogs and their handlers are going to Victoria to assist in the recovery operation following the devastating bushfires.
The German Sheperd dogs are trained to locate victims above and below ground and amongst wreckage. Their role is particularly suited to situations where significant loss of life may have occurred over a wide area.
The four teams are drawn from Police dog sections in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Once on the ground they will be deployed according to the operational requirements of Victoria Police.
The teams will travel on the RNZAF flight carrying the contingent of New Zealand firefighters departing from Auckland Airport tomorrow. (Friday 13th February)
They will initially be stationed in Victoria for the same duration as the New Zealand firefighters.
Already working in Victoria are six New Zealand Police Disaster Victim Identification officers. They arrived on Wednesday evening and are now working in difficult conditions in the Kinglake area.
The deployment of specialist New Zealand Police teams comes after an offer of assistance by Acting Commissioner Rob Pope was accepted by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon.
Ends
Editors note: There may be an opportunity to film the dogs being loaded on the plane. This will take place around two hours prior to departure. Contact Grant Ogilvie at the Police media team to confirm details. 04 474 9476 or 027 236 9974.
Any media requiring airside access at Auckland International Airport needs to supply their details (name, address, DOB and phone numbers) to the airport communications team at stevenson.a@akl-airport.co.nz by 10am Friday morning. Security clearance will be limited to 2 people per media organisation.