November 21, 2016 10:00am by David Farrar

Welcome ships

Of all the remarkable images emerging from this testing week, the sight of a military flotilla standing off Kaikoura counts among the most extraordinary.

The flags of the vessels included the ensigns of New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

The ships were meant to be part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Instead the birthday became a rescue effort, with the ships lending assistance to people stuck in the cut-off tourist town of Kaikoura after Monday’s 7.8 earthquake.

Some of then are now in Wellington, as you can see below:

Can’t recall ever seeing four Navy ships in Wellington before.

In announcing that the destroyer had altered its course for the South Island, Admiral Harry Harris, head of the US Pacific Command, said: “Our prayers go out to our friends in New Zealand as they deal with another devastating earthquake on the South Island. But more than that, our help also goes out.”

In times of trouble, that’s what friends do. So welcome back America. And thanks for your help this week.

Thanks indeed.