Advice on public giving

also see | Disasters: How to help | Pacific tsunami appeals | Pacific tsunami update

NZAID is coordinating New Zealand’s official response to the Pacific tsunami.

The response from people in New Zealand to the Pacific tsunami has been significant and very generous.

Information from Samoa suggests a large local response to the Samoan Red Cross in-country appeal for clothing and other items resulting in sufficient stockpiles in Apia.

To ensure New-Zealand based giving is channelled in a way that best helps those affected by the tragedy in Samoa and Tonga, NZAID gives the following advice on community assistance:

Giving a cash donation – no matter what size – is an excellent way of showing support to the Samoan and Tongan people.

A list of appeal information is available at here.
Another way to help is to organise fundraising events through community organizations, schools, workplaces and then donate to an existing appeal

At this stage, we are advising against the public collecting and donating of unsolicited goods
Why?

Unsolicited goods can clog-up supply chains and put extra stress on those working in country to distribute essential supplies
It is best to source goods locally as it helps the local economy and overall recovery
Although well-meaning, it's easy to send the wrong item and disposal of unsolicited goods can be very difficult and a financial and logistical burden for the country-affected

If you or anyone you know is planning to send goods, please use the following check-list:

Is there an identified need for this item in the disaster area?
Is there a way of getting this item from New Zealand to Samoa/Tonga?
Once the item arrives in Samoa/Tonga is there way of getting it to the people who need it

Those collecting goods are encouraged to take up the many commercial offers of free/discounted freight to Samoa and Tonga which have been made.