A New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules is in Fiji with 12 tonnes of aid supplies and an inter-agency team that will help assess the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

'We hope that this contribution from New Zealand will go a long way in helping the people of Fiji,” says Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Kevin McEvoy, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.

The New Zealand Defence Force providing aid to cyclone stricken Fiji. Photos: Supplied.

AIRCDRE McEvoy says the aid supplies included tool kits, generators, water, ration packs, water containers, chainsaws and tarpaulins.

The Joint Reconnaissance Team, comprised of NZDF personnel and staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Fire Service, will help Fijian authorities assess the damage and coordinate the New Zealand government's disaster relief efforts.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft has been conducting aerial surveillance in Fiji's northern outlying islands since Sunday to assist Fijian officials in assessing the devastation caused by the cyclone.