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Calls for donations and support have echoed across the Tongan community Since the January 15 eruption.
Tonga’s Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, mentioned earlier this week that the Tongan government would establish its own relief fund, “so that those looking to help can contribute directly to Tonga’s relief efforts.”
“To ensure the help kindly offered reaches those in need, we must ensure relief funds are verified, transparent and legitimate.”
On Thursday, the Tonga Consulate in Auckland shared the details for the Hunga Recovery Fund to social media, along with a brief message.
“We have been overwhelmed with gratitude, for the support and prayers for our beautiful country Tonga.”
People are able to donate directly to the bank account listed in the post.
The Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee was also formed this week with co-chair, New Zealand MP Jenny Salesa, appealing to Tongans and non-Tongans who want to help.
She told 1News, “we can take the likes of bottled water, grocery items, things to assist with cooking and in the garden, which can go to families in the villages that don’t have any relatives overseas.”
The Committee is currently hosting a drop-off at Mt Smart Stadium from 9am-8pm until Saturday 22 January.
This is an opportunity for people to send care packages and essential items to their families back in the Kingdom.
A number of drums will be available, however Salesa has encouraged people to try and bring their own.
- Rice
- Bottled Water
- Cooking Oil
- Sugar
- Flour
- Canned foods such as tinned fish and meat
- Toilet Paper
- Tents, Kerosene lamps, torches, rechargeable lanterns.
Each family will be allowed one drum each and the contents will be checked before stocking.
A few Tongan international sporting figures are also helping out.
Olympian Pita Taufatofua teamed up with the Australian Government and UNICEF to send supplies via the HMAS Adelaide, which will arrive later this week
Rugby player Malakai Fekitoa who was born and raised in Ha’apai has also established a GoFundMe page.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Fekitoa said he still hadn’t heard from his mother since the tsunami hit.
“It’s been a week now…my Mum lives in Ha’apai which is right next to the volcano, around 15 nieces and nephews are still at our home.”
Fekitoa is currently based in England where he plays for Wasps but adds that, in the meantime, “I’ll do whatever I can to help out [from] here.”
If you are unsure of where to donate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have published advice and links to help you out.
Click here to view advice on giving.
