The deputy mayor of the New Zealand city of Porirua says ongoing aid efforts after the tsunami in Samoa are being hampered by distribution problems and mistrust between government officals and the families affected by the disaster.
Litea Ah Hoi says many families in Porirua have sent money, food and educational supplies to people who lost their homes in the disaster but she is concerned victims there are hiding those supplies from visiting aid officers.
She says they are scared they would be denied further government help.
"Families shouldn't have to live in fear because government officials are visiting to see whether or not they have got enough food or water. The food and any sort of aid that is sent from New Zealand to families in Samoa, it should have no bearing on the government aid that they should be distributing."
Litea Ah Hoi says bulk water supply is still a big problem and the government needs to ensure aid is distributed evenly.