assistance

Tagata Pasifika reports the group launched two years ago, offering free fitness classes in Flaxmere, where Pacific people account for around 30% of the population.

But when the deluge hit the region last week, founder Viliamu Malaitai says the group felt compelled to assist the Pasifika victims, mostly RSE workers, who had lost their homes and possessions.

“As we know, these guys come from overseas, so they only have what they have, and to lose what they have, which is the bare minimum, it’s quite sad really,” Malaitai says.

Wang made the remarks at the first China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Beijing via video link.

He said the bilateral relationship between China and the Pacific Island countries has shown a good development momentum, and the comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen.

Relations between the two sides are based on mutual respect and equity, Wang said.

“Cyclone Harold has been the biggest natural disaster to affect Vanuatu since Cyclone Pam in 2015, and together with the effects of COVID-19, it has caused unprecedented damage to livelihoods, infrastructure and the economy – particularly in the northern parts of the country,” Nanaia Mahuta said.

“New Zealand worked hard to support the initial response to Tropical Cyclone Harold, and now we’re committed to being a major part of the rebuild too. Today (Tuesday) I am pleased to announce New Zealand will be investing $10 million in Vanuatu’s long term recovery effort.

Mr Peters is scheduled to meet his government counterparts including Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and Foreign Minister Ralph Renganvanu today.

He also paid a visit to the president Obed Moses Tallis when he arrived in Port Vila.

While in the capital Mr Peters is expected to announce a $NZ2.7m package to assist with facilities for more than 3,000 school children who have relocated because of the volcanic activity on Ambae.

Labour mobility through the Recognised Seasonal Employers Scheme is also high on the agenda during his two day visit.

As part of its first mission, a team comprised of staffs and volunteers from Disaster, Health and shelter sections spent 8 days on the ground to respond to communities affected by the earthquake that hit the island on 15 December, 2018.

The most affected village is Paamal that encountered numerous earthquakes, and uplift causing damage to houses in the village.

The VRCS team recruited and trained 24 volunteers who helped deliver awareness, conduct assessments and demonstrate how to build an emergency shelter.

The volunteers also helped distribute Non-Food items.