Nepal declines New Zealand SAR team offer amid row over quake response

A New Zealand search and rescue team that was preparing to depart to earthquake-stricken Nepal was stood down Tuesday after the government was criticized for being slow to offer assistance.

The 37-strong Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) had been due to fly to Kathmandu late on Monday, but on Tuesday Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the Nepalese government had said it already had enough USAR capability and the New Zealand team was no longer required.

"We completely understand the Nepalese government's decision and based on our own experience of managing the Christchurch earthquakes, we know that dealing with international offers of assistance can be fast moving and needs can change rapidly," McCully said in a statement.

"It is heartening to see the international community come to the aid of the people of Nepal. Our USAR team remains ready to assist if needed, and the government will continue to assess how we can further contribute."

The team had specific expertise in rubble pile rescue, and included paramedics, a doctor, a structural engineer, logistics personnel, a command and control element and a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade liaison officer.

New Zealand had made an initial contribution of 1 million NZ dollars (763,009 U.S. dollars) to the immediate relief effort, he said.

Opposition lawmakers had criticized the government for being slow to react to Saturday's earthquake.

The New Zealand First party cited links between the two countries going back to the First World War and the conquering of Mount Qomolangma and accused the government of a lack of urgency.

"We have some of the best search teams in the world, but the government response is to offer 1 million dollars. Frankly that's better spent getting USAR teams and extra equipment quickly to Nepal where it will save lives," New Zealand First internal affairs spokesperson Clayton Mitchell said in a statement Monday. Endi