New Zealand will contribute $3.45 million to Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office to support emergency management initiatives in Fiji.
This has been confirmed by New Zealand’s Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty while signing a Memorandum of Cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand.
McAnulty says this funding will be instrumental in the establishment of a new disaster warehouse in Fiji’s Northern Division and in fostering peer-to-peer support between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency and Fiji's National Disaster Management Office.
Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Cooperation will bolster emergency management cooperation and strengthen disaster resilience, response, and recovery capacities of both countries.
Minister for Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka acknowledged the New Zealand Government for their unwavering support and assistance extended to Fiji over the years.
He says in these times of global crises, it is paramount for disaster managers within the region to share lessons learned and cultivate relationships to strengthen our collective regional capabilities in disaster response.
Ditoka says the helping hand New Zealand extended to Fiji during the COVID-19 pandemic, TC Harold, TC Yasa, and many others is deeply appreciated and exemplifies the true spirit of friendship and solidarity between our nations.
He adds that today, we commemorate this occasion with a coin ceremony celebration, and such actions reinforce the bonds of the Duavata Partnership and signify our shared commitment to extensive and enhanced collaboration.
The Minister reaffirms Fiji’s commitment to deepen and broaden its collaboration with New Zealand in the areas of humanitarian response and risk management.
Ditoka says Fiji stands ready to explore new avenues for cooperation and to forge stronger ties that will lead us toward a more secure and resilient future.
McAnulty says both countries have had each other’s backs during emergency weather situations, and Fiji has shared their knowledge and skilled team members with New Zealand through some of the toughest times, and they are extremely grateful for the friendship.
He says this Memorandum of Cooperation formalises the strong relationship the two nations have and he is pleased to be in the country and meet with the team who have helped New Zealand through some of their worst weather emergencies.
McAnulty says the Fiji team worked alongside their front-line staff for the safety and well-being of affected people, both on the ground supporting the removal of silt from homes in impacted areas and embedded in the National Crisis Management Centre.
He adds that he was pleased to be able to shake hands and thanked the members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji National Fire Authority and the National Disaster Management Office, who assisted in their response to the devastating effects of the cyclone.
The New Zealand Minister says the helping hand Fiji extended to Aotearoa during one of their most significant emergency events is deeply appreciated.
