NZ commits $500,000 support to cyclone-hit Tonga [1]
Friday, January 17, 2014 - 11:15. Updated on Friday, January 17, 2014 - 17:29.
Photos by Linny Folau
Relief supplies offloaded from the RNZAF Hercules. Fua‘amotu Domestic Airport, Tonga. 17 January, 2014
A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules delivering relief supplies for Ha‘apai arrived at Fua‘amotu International Airport early this afternoon, following a request for assistance by the Tonga Government.
The flight was welcomed by Tonga’s Minster of Lands, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Lord Ma‘afu and and the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga HE Mark Talbot.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully earlier today announced that New Zealand is providing further assistance to Tonga in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Ian.
“Following a request from the Tonga Government, New Zealand will supply 300 emergency shelter kits, which can provide interim shelter to over 2,000 people, and assist the New Zealand and Tongan Red Cross with the provision of clean water on the islands of Ha‘apai,” Mr McCully said in a statement.
“We will also make a further $300,000 (NZD) available to New Zealand non-government organisations working with partners on the ground.
“Cyclone Ian has resulted in the loss of one life and caused significant damage to buildings and some infrastructure. New Zealand continues to work closely with Tongan authorities and will consider all further requests for assistance,” he stated. Today’s announcement brings New Zealand’s support to Tonga since Tropical Cyclone Ian struck last week to $500,000 (NZD).
Red Cross shelter tool kits for Ha‘apai cyclone relief, arrived on an RNZAF Hercules at Fua‘amotu Airport today. 17 January 2014. Photo by Caroline Manu.