The Defence Force spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in the weeks after the Christchurch mosque attacks.

Photo: RNZ / Alex Perrottet

Documents obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act show how much the military has spent up until April during the immediate response to the Christchurch shootings, in which 51 people were killed at two mosques on 15 March.

The documents estimate $609,000 was spent up until April - including on air transportation, counter terrorism response, thousands of meals for authorities at Burnham Military Camp, along with other travel costs.

It was all funded from baseline funding.

Photo: RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell

The documents say in the early response, Defence Intelligence staff became involved; explosive and specialist support was in Christchurch and other locations around the country; as well, two light operational vehicles were sent to Christchurch police headquarters.

All up, 23 flights moved 852 passengers, including the prime minister and governor-general, as well as moving freight to the city.

Accommodation was provided - mainly at Burnham Military Camp - for more than 400 New Zealand and Australian police, along with St John staff.

During the peak, around 550 personnel were deployed to Christchurch, or on standby.

The documents were sent to Finance Minister Grant Robertson, as well as Defence Minister Ron Mark.