Actress and psychologist Pamela Stephenson described the earthquake in Samoa as scary as hell.

New Zealand tourists have told of their terror when the tsunami smashed through their Samoan beach resort.

The tsunami death toll reaches at least 149 as new tales of devastation emerge.

Many of the Kiwis in a Samoan hospital suffered internal injuries when struck by the seven metre high tsunami waves, says a NZ MP who visited them.

Well-intentioned helpers could place extra pressure on already scarce resources, says pastor.

The Government has ordered a review after deeming New Zealand's response to yesterday's tsunami "not good enough".

Aid has begun arriving in Samoa in what will be an ongoing effort as the scale of devastation from the quake and tsunami becomes clear.

Reporter Edward Gay is at Auckland Airport speaking with people who have flown from Apia this morning.

A salty smell hangs over the devastated Samoan village of Lalomanu as police teams pick their way through the debris looking for bodies.

A team of Army medics is flying to Samoa to join a civilian medical team that left NZ late last night as the death toll from the tsunami rises.

Residents and visitors in Samoa describe the terror of knowing what would be next after a massive quake rocked the tiny island nation

Salamasina Taufua was basking in the sun yesterday watching her three young children playing on the sand when a tsunami swept all three away.

Read here for the latest news following the Samoan earthquake and tsunami.