NZ announces further $1.5 million increase to aid package for Fiji

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced a $1.5 million increase to New Zealand’s aid package to Fiji as it recovers from Cyclone Winston.

The announcement comes following Minister McCully’s visit to Fiji yesterday and takes New Zealand’s total support to over NZD$4.7 million.

McCully said the devastation caused by Cyclone Winston is very serious.

He said nearly 55,000 people remain in evacuation centres and the people of Fiji now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

McCully said while humanitarian relief operations are continuing, the response is starting to move into the recovery phase, with a focus on restoring infrastructure such as electricity, water and transport.

He said the contribution announced today includes $1 million to help repair power lines and infrastructure in some of the worse affected areas, and $500,000 for additional relief supplies and technical support.

McCully said the NZ Defence Force C-130s are continuing to deliver supplies in support of the relief operation.

The HMNZS Canterbury will arrive in Fiji tomorrow and is expected to join HMNZS Wellington in the Northern Lau group by the end of the week.

McCully said New Zealand will support the Fijian government as it works to recover from Cyclone Winston and they are currently developing a wider package of support focused on helping affected communities rebuild.