Maori Party to launch appeal for Fiji flood victims

The Maori Party is to launch an appeal for funds for flood
victims in Fiji.

The Maori Party co-leaders, Hon Tariana Turia and Dr Pita
Sharples, along with other Maori Party MPs, will be
enlisting the help of iwi radio stations and Maori
Television to encourage all New Zealanders to give what they
can to help people affected by the heavy rain and flooding
in Fiji.

Dr Sharples says often Maori are not directly encouraged to
get involved in general appeals for funds for disasters
overseas but this time the party is making a direct appeal
because the people affected are our neighbours and Pacific
whanaunga.

Mrs Turia says “It’s heart breaking watching helplessly
as people are driven out of their homes by flood waters and
having to flee with just what they’re standing up in”.

“Manaakitanga starts at home” said Mrs Turia. “We
must create a climate in which the care and welfare of our
neighbours is important, and in this respect the people of
Fiji deserve our support”.

“We are setting up an account that people will be able to
deposit their contributions in, and Maori TV and iwi radio
stations have agreed to help us with the appeal”.’

‘We are also personally sending letters to various people
and organisations inviting them to contribute to the
appeal.’

Dr Sharples says ‘An important consideration will be who
we channel the aid through given the present tensions
between the governments of New Zealand and Fiji, but those
are difficulties that can be worked out in consultation with
relevant Ministers and local expertise".

"In the meantime the important thing is to get contributions
coming in and to identify exactly what it is the people on
the ground need; and we are taking advice on those
matters.’

The Maori Party will start the ball rolling by donating
$10,000 to the 'Fiji Flood Relief' fund and inviting other
Maori organisations and iwi to join in.

New Zealanders can donate to the "Fiji Flood Relief" fund at
any ANZ Bank; ANZ 01-0414-0398442-00.