New Zealand is looking to provide more immediate aid and long-term help to Fiji following the onslaught of two cyclones and heavy rain in less than two weeks.
After being briefed by officials from Fiji's Western Division, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr says New Zealand had been helping with health and safety supplies in the immediate aftermath and helped with flood rescues in Ba.
He says there is a lot more work to be done on understanding exactly why some of the problems have become as significant as they are today and New Zealand would be very happy to talk with the Fijian government about how they can assist.
Western Division authorities had explained that silt-laden waterways needed dredging, while some farming practices from many years ago had impacted river flows.
Curr says New Zealand is also looking to support Fiji to respond to natural disasters, work around mitigation and adaptation.
He says New Zealand was also assisting around the island of Kadavu which bore the brunt of Cyclone Keni.
Curr also highlighted that New Zealand also supported the government with organizing a helicopter flight to take some officials to Kadavu to do some impact assessments, and to meet with the local community and also to bring some people out of Kadavu who might need some medical attention.
Building materials and basic food items are the main needs on the island in the wake of the Category 3 Cyclone which destroyed houses, uprooted trees and sunk boats.
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