Kiwi group to lead tsunami relief efforts

New Zealand organisation SurfAid has been appointed the lead non-governmental organisation running relief efforts for the tsunami-hit islands of Indonesia.

A 3-metre wave struck the Mentawai Islands on Monday just minutes after a massive earthquake offshore, killing more than 400 people and destroying hundreds of homes in 20 villages.

The New Zealand Government yesterday announced an initial aid package of $450,000 emergency funding to support the immediate relief and rebuilding effort.

The Indonesian Government has not called for further help from the international community, but has welcomed assistance from agencies already working in Indonesia, in particular SurfAid, the organisation's chief executive Andrew Judge said.

His organisation was locally based with commitment to and extensive knowledge of the Mentawai Islands, he said.

"We have worked here for 10 years and this is our fifth major emergency response. To take the lead coordinating role in this disaster is a great honour and a huge level of responsibility.

"We are rapidly expanding our operations to provide essential assessments so that the necessary responses can be targeted to the areas in greatest need. We have delivered shelter, building materials, hygiene and kitchen materials to thousands of people and those deliveries are continuing."

While the Government's $450,000 was welcome, SurfAid was still appealing for more donations.

"This is a major human tragedy and every dollar donated helps relieve suffering," Mr Judge said.

SurfAid started in 2000 with a single New Zealand doctor introducing a small malaria programme in one village and now has offices in several countries, including 94 full-time staff in Indonesia.

The scope of its work has since increased from malaria prevention and community health to now include water and sanitation projects, disaster preparedness, and emergency response and relief.

SurfAid has also received recognition for its work following the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, and has put this experience to great effect after the 2005 Nias earthquake; the 2007 Mentawai earthquakes, and the 2009 Padang earthquake.

SurfAid will hold a fundraising function at Auckland's Lenin Bar on Wednesday.

- NZPA