It is important for for New Zealand politically and economically to be involved in the reconstruction of Nuku'alofa, the Chairman of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council, Gilbert Ullrich, told representatives from 12 New Zealand companies in a meeting today in Auckland.

"We not only have a real opportunity, but also an obligation to get actively involved in the reconstruction of Nuku'alofa", said Mr Ullrich.

The 12 company representatives attended today's meeting to learn first hand the extent of the riot damage, and the opportunities for them in reconstruction work. Presentations were made by architects ProDesign, and Ian Maxwell from the Manukau City Council, supplemented by Gilbert Ullrich and other NZPBC members, including Beca, who had gone to Tonga before Christmas to discuss New Zealand's possible involvement in rebuilding Nuku'alofa.

An outcome of today's meeting was the formation of a "Tonga Task Force" to help manage the involvement of New Zealand in the various reconstruction phases of Nuku'alofa.

The "Tonga Task Force" provides the vehicle for bringing all parties together to see really valuable business outcomes for NZ businesses in Tonga. Gilbert Ullrich said in a statement that, "Disastrous as the riots would appear, this is also an opportunity that New Zealand and Tonga must grasp, if positive benefits are to flow from what was initially a tragedy. Handled properly, this could be a tremendous once-in-a- lifetime chance to build an exciting Pacific destination that does not depend on sandy beaches and shady palm trees - this could be a template for other urban developments in the Pacific, where modern building technology incorporates exciting Pacific design features in the total complex".

The Tonga Task Force decided to meet on 12 February to progress matters, as the Tongan government had expressed a desire for reconstruction work to start in the next few months. A number of issues such as further developing the civil engineering and town planning, arranging the financing (which runs into the hundreds of millions, and will involve overseas aid), and regularly liaising with the Tongan government are essential if New Zealand is to be a prime partner in this reconstruction.

"Unlike other donor countries, New Zealand does not have a big cheque book, but we have great expertise in building and construction, a commitment to adhering to sound building standards, and an ability to work with our Pacific neighbours in a culturally sensitive way, with long-term objectives in mind", said Mr Ullrich. The meeting felt very strongly that now is the time for the New Zealand government to work with New Zealand private enterprise, and the Manukau City Council, to ensure that New Zealand is seen to be the true neighbour of Tonga, and in doing so assure that trade and diplomatic relations between our two nations are maintained, and hopefully grown.

"So we all look to the NZ government to commence a dialogue with the Tonga Task Force immediately, to ensure that the momentum already started by others is maintained", said Mr Ullrich.