Vanilla-growing communities in ‘Eua affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita in February, have received supplies donated by a group of New Zealand businesses, donors, and individuals.

The shipment, organized by Heilala Vanilla, left New Zealand in early March, included long life milk, non-perishable food, clothing, and 20 chainsaws. The company’s NZ based team were on hand to distribute the  goods to families when they arrived recently.

Heilala Vanilla Co-founder Jennifer Boggiss and team member Jo Gasteen visited families most affected by the cyclone in remote areas, where they said some families were still living in Red Cross tents. They found others were living in their homes without roofing and walls, and damaged tiling.

At the end of May, more help  is expected to arrive for these affected communities. Heilala Vanilla founder, John Ross, six members of the Papakura Rotory Club, and some of the Heilala team in New Zealand will head to ‘Eua to repair roofing on 200 damaged homes. Building supplies, including iron roofing and spouting for water collection are being shipped to Tonga.

Vanilla Harvest

The vanilla harvest this year has been destroyed by the cyclone. Since the cyclone, at least half of the green vanilla beans that were still on the vine during the cyclone have fallen off before maturing which means no harvest will be collected this year.

The team is focusing on clearing debris and tending to the vines to ensure a bountiful harvest next year.

The company’s vanilla farm in Vava’u was not affected by Cyclone Gita. However, the company is expanding their vanilla plots with two 50 acre plantations under development in partnership with a Tongan grower. Heilala Vanilla is also partnering with other growers across Tonga to build their supply chain.