NZ give $1.5m for Tonga tsunami recovery

The Government has committed $1.5 million to Tonga for tsunami recovery and reconstruction efforts, Foreign Minister Murray McCully says.

Nine people were killed and significant damage was suffered by houses, other buildings, and infrastructure when the tsunami struck the isolated northern island of Niuatoputapu.

Mr McCully said a well co-ordinated emergency relief operation had met immediate needs on the island.

"The focus is now shifting to longer-term recovery and reconstruction, with the Tongan Government currently producing detailed damage assessments. Early priorities emerging from that work include housing and infrastructure," Mr McCully said.

"Reconstruction work on Niuatoputapu will be difficult due to its isolation. Most supplies will have to go there by boat, which adds cost and complexity to the task of rebuilding."

Further discussions would be held with the Tongan Government over the coming week on the finer details of our assistance, and where it can be most usefully focused, he said.

The navy ship Canterbury had recently arrived in Tonga carrying donated goods and will help the Tongan Government transport equipment and supplies to Niuatoputapu.

- NZPA