Aucklanders are being called on to give to a new mayoral fund to help Samoa and Fiji recover from Cyclone Evan.
Mayor Len Brown announced the fund and the formation of an Auckland Relief Committee after a meeting on Friday with nearly 100 Pacific community leaders, foreign affairs officials, the Samoan consul and aid agencies.
Mr Brown says cash is the best way to help the devastated islands right now and the Auckland Council is kicking in $10,000 to start.
Collection points and transport are being organised for non-perishable food, cooking utensils and clothing to help homeless families in Samoa.
Mr Brown says the council will also send water, road and electrical engineers to help rebuild infrastructure once the Samoan government has assessed what's needed.
