Donations for Samoan and Tongan tsunami relief efforts have topped $2 million, as New Zealanders give unprecedented amounts to their Pacific neighbours.
Aid organisations told the Weekend Herald that the strong cultural connection with Samoa and the proximity of the disaster had prompted a swift and generous response from New Zealanders. Oxfam New Zealand said the rate of giving had "shades of the Boxing Day Tsunami".
The New Zealand Red Cross has received $1.2 million in donations for its Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal, the majority from corporate pledges. It sent $200,000 to the islands on Thursday.
"The payment will provide some initial relief efforts and keep things ticking along," said spokeswoman Kelly Mitchell. " We are now looking to build the communities up for the future."
With one in six Samoans seriously affected, the aid agencies are stressing the importance of long-term development. Oxfam aid worker Janna Hamilton said the hard work would really begin when the tragedy faded from the media spotlight. "I hope donations continue to come in, because helping these people rebuild their lives will take a big effort," she said.
Oxfam has a 12- to 24-month rehabilitation plan. It has a target of $1 million for its Samoa Tsunami Appeal, and by yesterday had received $306,000 in public donations.
World Vision New Zealand has collected $51,000 for Samoan and Tongan relief, and is focusing on providing clean water for displaced villagers.
Logistics expert Jamie Newton said safe drinking water was scarce for villagers who had fled to higher ground. The Government doubled relief aid to Samoa and Tonga this week to $2 million after the first $1 million had been committed.
Prime Minister John Key said it was crucial to continue aid in the wake of the tsunami to stave off disease.
Fundraisers
Sione's Wedding special movie screenings: Today, Westfield St Lukes, 6pm. Westfield Manukau, 8pm. Tickets can be booked in advance at skycitycinemas.co.nz for the special price of $9. All proceeds go to the NZ Red Cross for the Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal.
Charity Rugby League Match, Samoa Residents vs Bartercard Premiership Selection, Mt Smart Stadium, Penrose, tomorrow. Stadium Gates open at 2pm. Adults $5, children under 15 free.
Free trains for fans between 12.30pm - 8.30pm on all lines connecting to the Southern Line from Britomart.
Samoan benefit concert "I Love The Islands", featuring Neil and Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Savage, Scribe, Hollie Smith, Elemeno P and Nesian Mystik. Monday, October 19, Vector Arena, Auckland. $25. Tickets from ticketmaster.co.nz
How you can help
Pacific Cooperation Foundation
Deposits can be made at at any Westpac branch. All the money raised will go to the Samoan Government
Red Cross
- Make a secure online donation at redcross.org.nz
- Send cheques to the Samoan Red Cross Fund, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
- Call 0900 31 100 to make an automatic $20 donation
- Make a donation at any NZ Red Cross office
ANZ bank
Make a donation at any ANZ bank branch, or donate directly to the ANZ appeal account: 01 1839 0143546 00
Oxfam
- Make a secure online donation at Oxfam.org.nz
- Phone 0800 400 666 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20
Caritas
- Make a secure online donation at Caritas.org.nz
- Phone 0800 22 10 22 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 4 11 11
TEAR fund
- Make a secure online donation at tearfund.co.nz
- Phone 0800 800 777 to specify Samoa the Philippines or Indonesia. You can also donate at CD and DVD stores.
Mercury Energy
- Donate at mercury.co.nz
or text the word Samoa followed by the amount you wish to pledge and your Mercury account number to 515 or by calling 0800 10 18 10.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is asking for help with the clean-up habitat.org.nz
