Information for Pacific people in New Zealand concerned about the Samoan earthquake.

Updated 5 November 2009

New Zealand’s response

Many New Zealand individuals and organisations have donated money, time and/or goods to assist those people in Samoa and Tonga who suffered loss in the earthquake and tsunami. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs wants to acknowledge and thank all who contributed. Fa’afetai tele lava! Mālō ‘Aupito.

Government response

•    The New Zealand Government initially assisted by sending health, defence, police and other personnel to assist the Samoan government and people.  The NZ Government also provided assistance in Tonga.  Containers shipped on the HMNZS Canterbury have been unpacked and are being distributed.

•    All Government announcements on assistance are at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/

•    Immediate needs have been met. The Samoan and Tongan governments, assisted by other governments and relief agencies, are now embarking on recovery and reconstruction. 

•    The Prime Minister's memorial service to be held at the Auckland Cathedral of Holy Trinity, Parnell on Sunday 8 November at 4pm.

Financial help for affected people in NZ

•    Work and Income New Zealand may be able to assist people who are financially affected by the tsunami. Eligible people could include those entering New Zealand to stay with families, those with no income because their partner is stranded or those suffering hardship as a result of helping family in the Pacific. For all information see http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/community/responding-to-an-emergency/pacific-earthquake-tsunami.html

Other help for affected people in NZ

•    Many Pacific people in New Zealand have been affected in some way by the earthquake and tsunami. Here is some information on stress, and ways of coping with it http://www.leva.co.nz/file/PDFs/factsheet-coping-in-a-tsunami.pdf. A Samoan translation of this information will be available soon

•    If you live in New Zealand, have suffered a loss or been affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Samoa or Tonga and need support, call Victim Support in New Zealand 0800 842 846, http://www.victimsupport.org.nz.

How to help those in Samoa and Tonga

•    The best way to help is to send money, rather than goods.  Clothing is not required.

•    If you want to donate money to help victims and their families there are a number of appeals set up.  You can donate at ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac banks, or check this address for details of specific appeals http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/what-we-do/pacific-tsunami-appeals.html

•    In order to avoid charity scammers, those wanting to make cash donations are advised to check http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/what-we-do/pacific-tsunami-appeals.html . If possible do not give money to doorknockers or person-to-person without checking credentials first.

•    Other skills. If you have skills or training which Samoa or Tonga might need and are able to travel to help then you can register your interest. Do this by sending an email to aidemdr@nzaid.govt.nz

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