The High Commissioner for New Zealand will today (Thursday, 8 December 2011) present Certificates of Appreciation to a group of Tasmania Police officers for their work in Christchurch after the earthquake in February 2011.

After the earthquake the New Zealand Police Force made a request for urgent assistance with the process of identifying the remains of victims.

The team of four officers trained in the process of Disaster Victim Identification worked for ten days in Christchurch, to ensure victims were identified and their remains returned to their families as quickly as possible.

His Excellency the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Major-General (Rtd) Martyn Dunne, will today present Certificates of Appreciation to the officers involved in the difficult task of victim identification.

“Disaster Victim Identification is a specialised and essential skill in the aftermath of events involving mass casualties.  It is a challenging role in difficult circumstances and Tasmania Police was pleased to provide assistance,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.