22 Feb 2016

NZ Tongan community rallies relief for cyclone-hit Vava'u

9:05 pm on 22 February 2016

The Tongan community in New Zealand has begun to organise relief efforts for families in Vava'u.

Damage in Vava'u after Cyclone Winston

Damage in Vava'u after Cyclone Winston Photo: Oxfam NZ

The Pacific Leadership Forum met with members of the Fijian and Tongan community on Sunday night to determine what assistance is needed to help those affected by tropical cyclone Winston.

Tongan community leader Letele Tui Afitu-Tiseli, says while Fiji is the priority, people in Vava'u also need help.

She says about 200 families were badly hit by the cyclone, and the main priority is providing them with water and food.

"Some of the members they are having a dialogue to have some idea of whether they can get some containers and a drop-off area. Because for our people, it will be easier for them to donate food, like bag of sugar, flour, water."

Letele Tui Afitu-Tiseli says they expect to have confirmed the location drop off points around Auckland by this [Monday] evening.