NZ gives $1m to Fiji

A million dollars has been pledged by the New Zealand Government to help Fiji in the aftermath of Cyclone Tomas.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says discussions were underway on how New Zealand's contribution can best be used to assist the response in Fiji.

"This could include a contribution to the Red Cross; the purchase of food and materials, and support for the local response," he says.

A RNZAF Hercules arrived in Suva this morning carrying humanitarian supplies, including tarpaulins, water containers, and water purification tablets

"Once the cargo has been off-loaded, the Hercules will undertake aerial reconnaissance of the affected areas, and is also likely to deliver supplies to Labasa," McCully says.

"New Zealand is continuing to work closely with our partners under FRANZ the joint France, Australia and New Zealand disaster relief agreement on assisting Fiji, and the clearer assessments of damage that we are expecting today will further inform the New Zealand and broader FRANZ response."

- © Fairfax NZ News