The Government today doubled its contribution to relief efforts in Samoa and Tonga, putting forward a further $1 million.
Wednesday morning's massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the islands, leaving hundreds dead or injured and thousands homeless.
New Zealand last week gave $1m in aid."Virtually all of New Zealand's initial contribution of $1m has now been committed, and a further funding top-up was needed, which we have done today," Foreign Minister Murray McCully said.
Considerable rebuilding efforts would be needed on the south coast, he said.Emerging priorities included clean water, sanitation, housing and restoration of tourism infrastructure.
"Clearly a substantial recovery and rebuilding effort will be required in the weeks ahead."We are discussing the likely shape of a more substantial assistance package with the Samoan government and other donors, and working towards reaching decisions later in the week."
The Samoan government was doing a good job in co-ordinating relief efforts and the emergency response was well-advanced, he said.New Zealand communities had responded with great generosity, Mr McCully said.
"Offer of assistance continue to come in, but right now the best way New Zealanders can help is to give a cash donation -- no matter what size -- to one of the Pacific appeals."The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) now had 105 personnel in Samoa, Captain Zac Prendergast said.
That included six navy divers, who were working to restore the submarine water main to Manono Island and assess the power cable.An Air Force B757 landed in Samoa this morning carrying medical and food supplies, police dog search teams, medical personnel and a surgical team, including Samoan-speaking doctors and nurses.
Army engineers were working with the police search team and carrying out reconnaissance in the Lalomanu area.NZDF medics were assisting the injured and homeless and two Air Force Iroquois helicopters were moving village-sized relief packs to affected areas, he said.
In Auckland, former All Blacks Michael Jones and Va'aiga Tuigamala were among several Samoan public figures coming forward to help Samoan community leaders organise relief."The tsunami has affected the whole country and we share that pain. We thank everyone for their generosity and will make sure that the relief goes to those who are most in need," Jones said.
Samoa's Consul General in Auckland, Afioga Fa'olotoi Reupena Pogi, was heading the Samoa Tsunami 2009 Appeal with all proceeds going to Samoa's National Disaster Council.The group was planning fund raising and memorial services in the coming weeks.
A temporary office had been set up in Samoa House in Auckland to co-ordinate the supply and transport of relief.Other agencies facilitating donations include the New Zealand Red Cross, Oxfam, ANZ, Unicef, The Salvation Army, World Vision New Zealand, Mercury Energy and Rotary.
