There are now 65 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Tonga as the kingdom rebuilds after the January 15 volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Christchurch Tongan Community secretary Sami Paeahelotu said youth groups, church leaders and families are among many across Aotearoa fundraising and preparing shipping containers to send to the kingdom.
"It will be a great thing that for all people in Aotearoa to come together, but I think that's one thing that's important for us all in that not only as Tongan or Samoan or things and that but as humanity that we come together to help one another," he said.
Five containers have been sealed ready to be sent to Tonga today.
Another shipment is scheduled to leave tomorrow and the next on the February 16.
Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee co-chair Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki and Sir Michael Jones Photo / Sir Michael Jones
New Zealand rugby coaching greats Sir Graham Henry and Wayne Smith are sending goods in Matson shipping containers through former All Black Sir Michael Jones.
Building supplies are on the donation list and they have contributed to a special request.
Tonga's Queen Nanasipau'u, has asked for 20 care packages for the residents of Mango who are seeking refuge after their island was destroyed.
"Just don't forget about Tonga just because it happened a while ago," said Smith. "They've been absolutely hammered, a lot of them are homeless, I know the King is putting a lot of them up on the estate and everyone's doing a great job over there so keep giving."
Smith and Sir Henry are shareholders in a company called Anga'ofa Timber, which is based in Tonga.
"Tongan rugby players have helped build our careers really, so we're trying to get more affordable building supplies over to Tonga," Smith said.
Wayne Smith is sending goods to Tonga on Matson shipping containers though Sir Michael Jones. Photo / Sir Michael Jones
Una Taufa has been volunteering at the aid drive in Auckland since day one.
"Drums and rubbish bins and everything - they are heavy, like being at the gym eh," he said.
Victoria University gave the Wellington Tonga Leaders Council $37,000 last night - with more donations expected in the coming days.
Leaders council chairman Hiueni Nuku said his community was overwhelmed with the generosity - the donations will help cover the cost of shipping containers.
"Whatever you can do it will be accepted in Tonga with appreciation, we do continue to pray for Tonga, this is the time for us to unite and to respond with love and care for people in need," he said.
He said significant ashfall was still a problem and is calling on the public to donate water blasters to help.
Una Taufa has been volunteering at the aid drive in Auckland since day one. Photo / Sir Michael Jones
Fifty-one containers have arrived in Tonga but there is a problem: "Because of contactless delivery people can't pick their stuff from the wharf, they have to be delivered by the police and the army to their homes and the police and the army doesn't have a forklift," said Labour list-MP Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki.
Drums weighing up to 200kg are being carried by hand.
Two shipping containers can be offloaded each day, meaning it will take more than three weeks to offload the aid.
Jones is going to loan workers in Tonga a forklift but Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee co-chair Kanongata'a-Suisuiki said ideally four are needed.
"We are also asking if any businesses want to donate a forklift we will happily send one in the container," Jones said.
