The New Zealand Tonga Business Council has raised NZ$5000 to aid recovery from Cyclone Gita.
The money will be donated to the Tongan branch of the Red Cross.
Council chair Sione Taufa said most Tongans on the executive who had homes on Tongatapu which were damaged during the cyclone.
They also had relatives whose homes were damaged.
The money was raised during dinner after the annual lawn bowls event from donations and an auction.
Items auctioned off on the night were donated by Air New Zealand, Scenic Hotels, Villa Maria, Bob Wilton from Delegats, Reddy Group, New Zealand Warriors, Ralph Elika from ECG and Lion.
About 55 people attended, including Labour MP Anahila Suisuiki, broadcaster John Pulu and Dr. Staverton Kautoke.
The Tongan Tennis Club entered two teams sponsored by Digicel. Tongan entrepreneur Lopi Faleafa and Rhys Faleafa entered a team, as did Pacific Trade and Investment.
This is not the first time the Council has raised funds for cyclone relief.
After Cyclone Ian in 2014 a breakfast auction was held to raise funds for Oxfam projects in Ha’apai.
The main points
- The New Zealand Tonga Business Council raised NZ$5000 to aid recovery from Cyclone Gita.
- The money will be donated to the Tongan branch of the Red Cross.
- Council chair Sione Taufa said most Tongans on the executive had relatives whose homes were damaged.
