WELLINGTON – New Zealand is upping its financial and logistics support for Vanuatu in the wake of Cyclone Pam.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully on Sunday announced an additional $NZ1.5 million ($F2.27m) of funding, on top of the $NZ1 million signalled on Saturday.
A New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules transported eight tonnes of supplies and an initial New Zealand team to Vanuatu on Sunday and two more flights will be sent on Monday.
Air Commodore Kevin McEvoy said the Hercules carried first aid kits, tarpaulins, water containers, chainsaw packs and generators.
Specialists from government agencies and the New Zealand Red Cross were also on board the Hercules.
“Pacific nations such as Vanuatu are our friends and neighbours and we’re happy we can help at times of need,” he said.
With the main airport being closed to civilian transport, the Hercules load would make a real difference, he said.
