The New Zealand Government is providing Samoa with a further $4 million for tourism reconstruction as the country begins a multi-million dollar rebuilding programme following the recent devastating tsunami.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the Samoan government will receive a report shortly outlining what is needed to get its tourism industry up and running properly.
Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says his country is pleased with the support from New Zealand and the country is in a reconstruction phase.
He says roads, water and electricity reticulation to new settlements are the priority over the next three years in a rebuilding programme that will cost more than $200 million.
Mr McCully says the Government will continue to work with the Samoan government and it is inevitable there will be ongoing support.
A prominent member of the Samoan Community in Auckland, Asenati Lole-Taylor, says the money for tourism rebuilding is fantastic but how it is spent must be monitored to avoid mis-use or waste.
