The Council of Trade Unions' Pacific body has encouraged New Zealanders to donate generously to appeals for Samoa and Tonga after this week's devastating tsunami.
Komiti Pasefika is the representative body for Pacific Island workers, with more than 60,000 union members across New Zealand.
Spokesman Jerome Mika said there were thousands of Pacific families in New Zealand watching events roll out in the media, still waiting to hear news about their loved ones.
"The difficulty with this situation is the unknown,"he said.
"All Pacific Islanders understand the concept of family and how important it is to ensure families are provided for. There are many agencies who will be assisting with aid and Komiti Pasefika is calling on New Zealanders from all backgrounds to donate generously during this tragic time."
Foreign Minister Murray McCully said yesterday it was clear many New Zealanders wanted to contribute. "Giving a cash donation - no matter what size - is really the best sort of assistance New Zealanders can provide at this time," he said.
The following agencies are taking donations to help tsunami victims in Samoa and Tonga:
* The New Zealand Red Cross has launched a Samoa Tsunami Relief project at www.givealittle.co.nz;
* Oxfam NZ is accepting donations for its rapid response emergency fund online at www.oxfam.org.nz , by phone on 0800 400 666, or you can make make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20;
* Mr McCully also announced details of the Pacific Co-operation Foundation Tsunami Relief Fund. Deposits can be made at any Westpac branch.
* ANZ Banking Group, has set up an appeal to assist families in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. Donations from New Zealand can be made at any ANZ Branch throughout New Zealand: ANZ Samoa Appeal Fund. Donations can also made directly to the appeal account: account number 01 1839 0143546 00. All proceeds will go directly to the Red Cross to assist with the disaster response in the affected areas.
