Manukau mayor pledges Samoa support

LEN BROWN: mayor of Manukau City, which accounts for a third of the Samoan population in New Zealand.

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Manukau Mayor Len Brown says his city is poised to offer any support that Samoa and American Samoa may need after today's devastating tsunami.

Tsunami waves killed dozens and caused widespread destruction after an 8.3 earthquake off Samoa this morning.

"We just really want to listen to the needs of Samoa, we have previously been the hub of any disaster relief efforts in the Pacific and we will do so again," Mr Brown said.

Manukau City accounts for a third of both the Samoan and total Pacific Islander populations in New Zealand.

Mr Brown holidayed in Samoa just six weeks ago. He said the experience was "very positive." He spent half a day at Sinalei Resort being hosted by the owners, which is one of the places that has been hit by the tsunami.
"It's not only a personal disaster for the families of the bereaved but it's an economic disaster as well."

Mr Brown said it was a "very tragic day for American Samoa and Samoa."

"My heart goes out to the people of Samoa and American Samoa."

He said the Manukau Council had sent their personal condolences to the leaders of Samoa and American Samoa.

"We will be in contact with the heads of government there, and like other heads of state we will wait to hear how we might help."

- © Fairfax NZ News