9 Jul 2009

NZ offers financial assistance and Tamiflu to Pacific

10:27 am on 9 July 2009

The New Zealand Government is offering financial support and stocks of tamiflu to Pacific nations with cases of swine flu.

The Prime Minister, John Key, is in Samoa and says New Zealand will help it and other Pacific countries deal with the virus.

Mr Key says he's confident that sharing New Zealand stocks of tamiflu won't run down domestic supplies.

"I mean you're talking about pretty small populations and I'd say small demands if they're required. Tonga has just over 100,000 people, samoa a bit over 200,000. So look, if it was required, we'd look at it"

On its arrival at Samoa's Faleolo Airport, the airforce plane carrying John Key's delegation was boarded by Officials wearing protective masks.

All of the passengers were screened before they could leave the plane.