The horticulture and wine grape industries in New Zealand are collecting donations to help with the recovery in Tonga, following the weekend’s tsunami.
‘Our industries, in particular those who employ workers from Tonga, have been saddened by news of the tsunami and its impact,’ says the horticulture industry labor collective, comprising NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Kiwifruit Growers, Summerfruit NZ, NZ Wine, NZ Ethical Employers, and HortNZ.
‘Our focus is on helping the economy of Tonga recover. That’s because the immediate response is in hand, thanks to the efforts of governments, civil defense, and agencies like the Red Cross.
‘We are using the Growers Relief Fund* to collect donations to support the recovery. As has happened previously, money donated by our industry will be used to help small businesses, such as market gardens, recover. As well, in some areas, donations will be used to rebuild community buildings.
‘Our industries will also be ensuring the approximately 1000 workers from Tonga currently in New Zealand working are well supported, now and in the coming months. We are working with our growers and employers on that.’
Growers, employers, and other parts of the horticulture and wine grape industries can go here to donate: www.horticulturenewzealand.formstack.com.
