New Zealand is providing a further $1.4 million to help Tonga recover from Tropical Cyclone Ian, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced on January 22.

Following a request from the Tongan Government, New Zealand will provide equipment and materials to help restore the electricity network on the affected islands of Ha’apai.

“We have also made an offer to provide New Zealand based technicians if needed,” said the Minister.

He said the cyclone has caused significant damage to electricity infrastructure, including power lines and transformers.

“Our contribution will cover resources needed to reconnect villages including on small outer islands.

“Reliable access to electricity helps communities recover quickly after a disaster as it supports the operation of critical infrastructure such as schools, medical centers and businesses. New Zealand is committed to supporting the Tongan Government as the relief and reconstruction efforts continues,” said McCully.

This announcement brings New Zealand’s support for the cyclone response to $1.9 million.

Tonga Power Ltd has estimated the cost of around $5 million pa'anga to rebuild a more cyclone resistant power network on the island group after over 90-95% of the network was extensively damaged by the cyclone on January 11.