http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/LSGZ-7WKHTX?OpenDocument&rc=5&emid=TS-2009-000209-ASM

 

Council votes to boost Samoan tsunami assistance 

Source: Government of New Zealand 

Date: 06 Oct 2009 

The Wanganui District Council unanimously resolved yesterday to finance the return travel 
of Wanganui-based health professionals currently in Samoa to assist the tsunami aid effort.  

A team of four Samoan-speaking medics – two doctors and two nurses – led by Wanganui 
surgeon PJ Faumui, travelled to Samoa by commercial flight on Sunday evening.  

Samoan-speaking health professionals are in short supply and Mayor Michael Laws told 
council "that they will be worth their weight in gold. It was the one specific request of the 
medical superintendent over there."  

"PJ will be providing council with up-to-date information on the situation over there and the 
needs of the community. Obviously, that inside information will greatly assist us in working 
out how best to channel our assistance."  

Cr Ray Stevens is co-ordinating the council's Samoan tsunami appeal and the Samoan 
community are working closely with Cr Stevens and his team.