5 October 2009

The following information relates to the tsunami relief effort;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and NZAID are operating a call centre. Additional information, including the latest travel advice for Samoa, is available on the safe travel website: www.safetravel.govt.nz
New Zealanders concerned about family members in Samoa should try to make contact with them in the first instance. Those with ongoing concerns may call 0800 432 111, with as many contact details as possible.
 

Offers of assistance may be referred to NZAID at 04 439 8104 or 04 439 8618.
Cash donations:
Manukau City Council has set up a bank account at BNZ:
Account name “Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund”
Account number: 02- 0191 -0303070-00
Cheques to be sent to: The mayor’s office, Manukau City Council, Civic 1, 31-33 Wiri Station Road, Private Bag 76 917, Manukau 2104 
Samoa Tsunami 2009 Appeal: http://www.samoatsunami2009appeal.org/

The Samoan Consul General called a meeting on 1 October of community leaders, local government, and central government representatives. The Samoa Tsunami 2009 Appeal has been set up.

In-kind contributions:
All offers of goods, containers and freight are being directed to the Samoa Tsunami 2009 Appeal,

Condolence books:
Condolences books have been made available at Manukau City Council’s customer centre (Kotuku House), Civic Centre, libraries and Botany Town Centre.

Remembrance service:
The Samoan Consul General’s coordinating committee is planning to have one central service at Vector arena, for the whole community, next Sunday 11 October.

Other fundraising initiatives:
There are plans for four major fundraising concerts in Manukau, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland (Vector). All managed through Ticketek. The rugby league match - Samoan Residents (Toa Samoa Domestic) against the Bartercard Premiership Selection - at Mount Smart Stadium next Saturday will be a fundraiser.