$180,000 for victims of typhoon

New Zealanders have donated more than $180,000 to help those affected by Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan, in addition to $100,000 of Government aid.

"Taiwan is deeply touched by the generosity of New Zealanders, especially in these hard economic times," said Andy Tseng, Taiwan's New Zealand-based press counsellor.

Typhoon Morakot killed 376 people, and 254 others are missing.

More than 25,000 people fled their homes after the typhoon struck on August 8, and 6000 are still living in temporary shelters.

The Taiwanese Hwa Hsia Society is to auction donated goods at its Otahuhu headquarters on Saturday in an effort to raise more funds to help.

Donations will go to the Taiwan Red Cross, which has said it will build up to 1600 houses within two years for the homeless.

* Auction

When: Saturday, 10am.
Where: Taiwanese Hwa Hsia Society, 193 Great South Rd, Otahuhu.