Tongans in New Zealand, who have been endlessly trying to reach family and friends back home, are worried about how their loved ones are getting by.
Air crew stack and secure pallets of disaster relief supplies to be sent to Tonga by Royal New Zealand Air Force, in the wake of a tsunami triggered by a volcanic eruption in January. Photo: Supplied / Dillon Anderson Photography via NZDF
Communication was cut with Tonga after the Kingdom was pummelled by a tsunami and blanketed by ash from an erupting volcano.
A newly established community relief programme is asking for donations to send care packages to Tonga.
Auckland Institute of Studies pasifika studies director Semisi Taumoepeau said he was worried about his family and friends, as well as his house in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga.
He said his institute also has two sister schools in Tonga.
"We're just waiting and we got material to send over. We're just waiting once we establish some reliable communication line."
Tonga Cable said its undersea communications cable had suffered two cuts and repairs could only begin when volcanic activity had stopped.
That had left families, like that of Mary Jane Kivalu, struggling to get news from relatives.
Kivalu, a former president of the Pacific Island Students Association at the University of Otago, has reached out to international students from Tonga.
"They're feeling a bit anxious to be honest and I completely understand that all they need to hear is a couple of words from their families or just confirmation that their families are okay. I think until they received these words, they'll be feeling very unsettled."
Panmure-Ōtāhuhu MP Jenny Salesa, who is also the co-chair of the new Aotearoa Tonga Relief Committee, said they would help families in New Zealand to send packages to their loved ones in Tonga.
She expected the packages would contain bottled water, grocery items and non-perishable foods.
"Tongan families in New Zealand can help us fill the containers to be sent to Tonga. We would also appeal to those who are non-Tongans and companies or others who might like to assist."
Salesa said donations could be dropped off at Mount Smart Stadium. The opening hours will be determined soon.