There's a substantial New Zealand presence in Vanuatu, helping the nation get back on its feet after the devastation of Cyclone Pam.

More than 200 Defence Force personnel are there, as well as the HMNZS Canterbury and its crew, engineers and health providers.

They're clearing roads and tracks, helping with the rebuild and repairing water purification systems.

The Defence Force says the immediate priority is to restore water supplies to villages hit hard by Cyclone Pam.