New Zealand Post Group companies are getting behind relief efforts for tsunami victims with a combined $50,000 cash donation, a special bank account for New Zealanders to make donations and large shipping containers for staff to send essential goods to family and friends.

Acting Group Chief Executive Sam Knowles said the tragedy that devastated Samoa and hit other Islands has had a profound impact across the Pacific Island community.

"Many Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand are experiencing personal suffering from this catastrophe and like many Kiwi businesses we have a large number of employees with family and friends directly affected by the tsunami."

Mr Knowles said $45,000 – comprising $35,000 from New Zealand Post Group and $10,000 from Kiwibank – had been deposited in the special account, "RED CROSS", set up by Kiwibank on 2 October.  All donations paid into this account will go to the Red Cross for its tsunami relief work.   Express Couriers Limited, New Zealand Post's joint venture with DHL, has already donated $5,000 to the Red Cross.

The Postal Services Group is funding the provision and transportation of four 40ft shipping containers to enable its employees to send emergency items to friends and family in Samoa.  Postal Services Group has been liaising with Samoa Post on storage and distribution of the items upon arrival.

ENDS

Contact:

Keith FitzPatrick
Media Communications Manager
New Zealand Post Group
04 496 4566
027 453 9882