Small boats donated by New Zealand billionaire Graeme Hart and Tongan Olympian Pita Taufatofua Jr were presented to representatives of some of the affected communities on March 9 at Vuna Wharf.

Six boats from Mr Hart and eight boats from Pita were handed over to help people in affected communities get back to their fishing livlihoods.

Some boats were presented to affected communities on Tongatapu, while the HMAS Canberra transported the others to affected islands in Ha'apai, including one to Nomuka.

The Prime Minister thanked Mr Hart for his assistance, after the Hunga Tonga- Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. He also acknowledged local representative, Sālote Sisifa during the presentation.

"This will go towards helping our community members who suffered during the January 15 event return to some form of normalcy as they will now be able to go out fishing."

Of the five presented, one was given to the Mango community who had relocated temporarily to Nuku’alofa, and one each to Sopu, Fasi, Patangata, and ‘Atata.

The PM also extended his gratitude to Pita Taufatofua Jnr.

Of his eight boats, one had been transported to ‘Eueiki on Tongatapu and seven would be for Ha’apai.

At the same time, the National Emergency and Management Office and MEIDECC's Communication Department had also donated safety equipment to these communities.

Mango Island Town officer, Sione Vailea and Rev. Kisina Toetu'u were present with other representatives from the affected communities.