somebody help me!!!! i want to go help in the relief effort... but i want to go first hand....how can i do this??? please point in the right direction.... my heart and prayers go out to samoa.

3 weeks ago I was at the Coconuts Beach Club & Resort and it's extremely weird and difficult to absorb the fact that what I see in the photos on my camera - is no longer there. Worse though is that the lovely people I met at the resort (Monty, Albert, Rob, Mikka, Smiley & Affro.. and the smiling restaurant ladies etc) may or may not even be alive. If they are they're going through so much pain. I really hope they rebuild the resort because it meant so much to so many. My thoughts go out to the many friends I made there - especially my dear friend Monty, I will find you.

To "considerate?" - if you were as considerate as you say, you would realise that the kiwis who came home had very little choice. I was there, I saw what happened and have been in physical shock for the last 2 days. You have no idea. If you are so considerate, get on the plane and go and help people, instead of being "holier than thou" on a news website.

What I personally can't believe is the stories of all the kiwis there who survived the tsunami, rushed back to find their belongings then get on the first flight out of there back home.

I thought Kiwis were the sort of people who would stick around and help the locals, I know I would...seems a shame that many havent

People, as sad as it is, wringing one hands will not help Samoa. Today is the first day of rebuilding new and even better communities along the south coast. New Zealand - go to Samoa, spend your money!!! Do not stay away!!!

I just wanted to point out that Sinalei was a FIVE star hotel not four, as is said by Lisa Owen. Joe and Tui Annandale are my relatives and they built Sinalei from scratch and worked harder than anyone I know to make Sinalei the finest resort in Samoa. It is officially rated as FIVE star, not four as is said by Lisa Owen. I am too distressed to comment on anything, but felt that point had to be cleared.

My prayers are with all families who have been affected with this sudden tragedy in Samoa and neibouring countries. I hope all people can remember to cherish the time they have with loved ones, you never know what can happen.

In 1992 and 1993 I helped build some new school buildings in Paul VI College, Leulumoega and also painted some school buildings at St Josephs in Leauvaa after the hurricane. Made many friends there during this volunteer work project and it's so terrible to hear that another disaster has occurred in that beautiful island and to such wonderful people. If there's one thing I learned there though, it's that the Samoan people have big hearts and plenty of courage - they always rebuild no matter what. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in Samoa.

Its heart breaking hearing that there are alot of people in Samoa losing close ones . Hearing that most of the people in Samoa are devastaed makes me sad mainly about how most villages were wiped away from the tsunami , and how people have to search for missing relatives around the village . And the fact that most relatives/families lost everything/everyone .

My loove goes out to all , you all will be mentioned in my prayers ,

I hope this crisis ends , its bringing families apart as well as hurting alot of people .

I hope everyone in Samoa keeps up the faith and hope . This will end soon . Stay strong .

loveyoou's all .

@ shazza #7 I'd still be inclined to go - the tourist dollar will be essential in helping Samoa and Samoans get back on their feet. It may not go as you had originally planned but hey, at least you weren't there when it happened eh? :)

We are going there in 6 weeks & will be getting in touch with both the places we are booked into to see if there is anyting we can bring or any help we can give when we are there.