The New Zealand Defence Force has been on the receiving end of backlash amid claims they were underprepared to handle Cyclone Gabrielle.

Documents claimed there were not enough resources, the water tanks dispatched weren't certified for drinking- and a lack of PPE meant personnel were unable to attend rescue efforts.

Rear Admiral James Gilmour acknowledged the optics, but claimed the NZDF was required to follow the Health and Safety Act.

"What we had was our people racing in with the best of intent- and our role within the Defence Force is to stay within the Health and Safety Act."

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