The New Zealand Government will offer to send a 60-strong contingent of Fire Service personnel, including urban search and rescue specialists, to flood-ravaged Queensland.
Prime Minister John Key returned to Parliament early from his holiday on Wednesday afternoon to hold a briefing with Civil Defence, Fire Service and Foreign Ministry officials.
Mr Key says despite the huge number of New Zealanders living and holidaying in Queensland, there have been no reports of missing or dead New Zealanders.
He says as well as the Fire Service personnel, the Defence Force and Police are speaking to their Australian counterparts and assessing how they can assist.
Mr Key says hundreds of military personnel would be available and could provide important respite assistance in weeks to come.
A second team of Civil Defence volunteers is also being prepared and will be ready to leave next week.
A first team of 15 has been in western Queensland since Saturday.
Mr Key says Cabinet will consider how the Government will financially assist the clean up.
But he says it is most likely to contribute to a New Zealand-based fund set up by a bank or non-government organisation.
The Prime Minister offered his condolences to the people of Queensland, saying New Zealand had a tough year in 2010 and understand the emotions they are going through.
He says Queensland was quick to offer help during the Pike River disaster and it is only fitting that New Zealand do the same now.
