International warships to help New Zealand quake relief

Warships from the United States, Canada and Australia have been drafted in to help earthquake relief efforts in New Zealand after a 7.8 tremor devastated parts of the South Island, officials said Wednesday. The ships were due in Auckland this week for celebrations marking the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary but have instead been diverted to the disaster zone. "It's heartening to see overseas partners so willing to alter their plans and offer their assistance," Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said.