How NZ can give help to Katrina victims

The best way for New Zealanders to help hurricane victims is to give to aid agencies collecting donations, says Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman Rob Hole.

The Tear Fund in New Zealand, through its American partner World Relief, was collecting donations on its secure website, he said.

The agency was working to bring immediate relief through distributing food, water, tarpaulins and other supplies.

Executive director Stephen Tollestrup said it was also equipping churches to shelter and feed the homeless.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is also accepting donations.

Director Mike Smith said donations would be sent to Caritas partner Catholic Charities USA, which had teams working around the clock delivering food, water and medicine.

"Even in developed countries ... the task of responding when disaster strikes is huge," Mr Smith said.

The Red Cross is also taking donations online (see link below).