Rotorua family starts collection for Vanuatu cyclone survivors

A Rotorua dairy farm worker says his 80-year-old mother in Vanuatu has lost everything in Cyclone Pam.

Roger Manuake is originally from the village of Emae in Vanuatu but has lived in New Zealand for more than 25 years. He and his wife Corinne live on a farm in Hamurana and only yesterday morning were able to make contact with his mother and brother who live in the capital Port Vila.

" They are all good but the house is gone, it was tin around. She and my brother stayed at the neighbour's, their house is stronger," Mr Manuake said.

"We've had cyclones through before but this one is the worst, a category 5 is quite big. All their stuff is scattered, they said they're picking up what they can find but most of it has blown away."

Fruit trees they relied on to sell the produce at the markets had also been destroyed. Mr Manuake said it was difficult being so far away at this time.

Mrs Manuake wants to start a collection for those in need in Vanuatu.

"I put a post on Facebook [asking] if they wanted to donate any items they could and few came back asking, 'What can be done?' A lot of people out there want to help, it's been good, New Zealanders are pretty giving people and when a thing like this happens they put their hand up for anyone who needs it."

Rotorua Youth Centre activity and event co-ordinator Alan Solomon said they were also looking for donations of clean, good quality clothing for children up to the age of 18.

Toys and books were also being accepted to ship over in a container organised by Hamilton New Life.

"It's for the youth, we're collecting clothes with a focus on the young people," he said.

Financial donations are also needed to help pay for the cost of shipping. The container is set to leave for Vanuatu on Monday.

Items and money can be dropped off at the Rotorua Youth Centre on 6 Te Ngae Rd until Friday between 12pm and 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Living Well Church is also holding a sewing bee to help make clothes from pillow cases.

The church has supported the island of Tanna for more than three years. The first sewing session will be held next Monday from 7pm to 9pm at 47 Biak St.