Aust/NZ assistance continues to pour in

Assistance from Australia and New Zealand continue to pour in to assist various agencies involved in the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas.

Australia and New Zealand are making a joint contribution to the Fiji Red Cross Society of FJ$500,000 to help with relief and recovery work.

The Australian Acting High Commissioner Sarah Roberts said the money will cover essential relief supplies used by the Red Cross to help people in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, including the replenishment of emergency pre-positioned supplies.

New Zealand Acting High Commissioner Phillip Taula said these supplies include clothing, blankets, insect repellent, cooking utensils and first aid kits.

He said these supplies are critical given that Fiji is still in its cyclone season.

The support for the Red Cross is part of a wider package of assistance announced by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully of AUS$1 million and NZ$1 million.

Both New Zealand and Australia have also provided the use of two C-130 Hercules planes to deliver relief supplies and undertake aerial surveillance of affected areas in the Eastern and Northern Divisions.

In a joint statement, the two High Commissions said Australia and New Zealand’s contribution to relief efforts in the wake of TC Tomas is a further expression of their commitment to work together to help the people of Fiji.