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National | Housing

Māori provide support to Cyclone Ian victims

Food and essential supplies are all packed and ready to be shipped to Tonga.

There are currently 2300 people still in emergency shelters while people on the affected islands begin to slowly rebuild.

Mana Party supporter, Te Raukura Amoamo of Te Whakatōhea and Tongan heritage, says she's overwhelmed by the support.

“A lot of the donations came from families of Māori and Pacific Island descent.”

Mana Party's John Minto and a small group donated supplies to the Ha'apai Relief Committee.

Volunteer workers last night filled six containers with more donations still arriving.

The worst hit area was the Ha'apai Island group, home to 8000 people.

Reports suggest that 600 homes were destroyed while another 400 were damaged.

Three of the six containers will be shipped to Tonga on Monday and are due to arrive there next month.

The containers were donated by former All Black, Michael Jones.