"The Philippines, like New Zealand, is extremely vulnerable to natural disaster. Pre-positioning supplies at various locations around the country will mean that relief items can get to affected communities without delay."
The initiative was in addition to the $2.15 million announced as New Zealand's response to the typhoon.
"We ... will work with the Philippines Government to meet any further requests for assistance," said Mr Key, who leaves today for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Sri Lanka and an official visit to Thailand.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was helping "a handful"of families still trying to contact loved ones in the Philippines, which is struggling with communications breakdowns in storm-hit areas.
A total of 376 New Zealanders are registered with the ministry as being in the Philippines, but none has been reported as harmed.
In Auckland, the Philippine community has begun fundraising rallies in a bid to get emergency aid, food, water and medicine to the worst hit provinces. The Federation of Filipino Associations, Societies and Clubs in NZ has set up a special "Yolanda" - the English translation of Haiyan - account to help victims.
A spokesman for the NZ Philippines Business Council said it was hard to find a Filipino whose families or friends were not caught up in the typhoon.
"It's terrible times in the Philippines. We may live in another country now, but our roots are still there."
Last night a special Mass was held at St Patrick's Cathedral.
