By Linny Folau

Tonga Red Cross Society has been doing “an extremely wonderful job over the past month”, said ANZ Tonga country Head, David Dudley, today, in presenting a donation of AUD$50,000 to support their efforts and work in Tonga's recovery from the natural disasters on January 15.

He said they were pleased to support Tonga Red Cross Society's continuous important work, and presented the bank's donation to the Tonga Red Cross Secretary-General, Sione Taumoefolau, in Nuku'alofa.

“Tonga is an important part of ANZ business, having been here for close to 30-years. We are embedded into the culture and the society of Tonga,” David said.

David also commented on the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunamis on January 15.

"Looking at the satellite footage of the eruption, we have ask ourselves did we survive that? It was a really catastrophic event and we have seen a lot of support coming in from the international community."

“ANZ is proud to support Tonga's recovery through the Red Cross,” he said.

Helping during challenging times

Secretary-General Taumoefolau extended their sincere gratitude to the ANZ Group for the generous donation to support the delivery of their relief and assistance programs.

“This is not the first time because in 2020 they contributed the same amount after Tropical Cyclone Harold. We really appreciate your contribution for Tonga's recovery.”

He said recovery efforts were ongoing and there was still a lot to be done, especially on the outer islands.

“So we are going to utilize this fund to assist those affected on Nomuka, Tungua, Fonoi and Mango in Ha’apai,” he said.

Sione told Matangi Tonga that current challenges included COVID-19 coming through, especially in making sure their frontliners are safe before they go out to communities to distrubute relief aid.

Marine safety is another challenge in reaching small islands.

"Everyone is aware we are in the cyclone season. We were supposed go to Nomuka today and some of the outer islands but, unfortunately, due to bad weather it has been deferred to next week. So it’s a combination of challenges that we are facing when responding to the community."

He said this contribution from ANZ Tonga was vital as it would assist them in many ways.

“As part of our WASH response, we hired portable toilets for the communities of Patangata to Kanokupolu. I just found out that we need to pay over $10,000 pa’anga every month to cover it. I'd like to mention it as a reality of the response,” he said.

Pacific relief

ANZ Regional Executive Pacific, Tessa Price said Tonga is a key part of the ANZ family as many of their customers and staff have close family and friends in Tonga.

"Thankfully, our team and their families are safe. They have our full support and we know they can move quickly to assist our customers and communities."