Haiti quake family had 'always helped others'

Caroline and Jamie Larnach at a media conference today. Photo / NZPA

Grieving relatives of the three NZ-Haitian family members killed in the Haiti earthquake say the family had always worked to help others.

The bodies of Emmanuel Rejouis, 39, and his New Zealand-born daughters Kofie-Jade, 5, and Zenzie, 4, were this morning (NZT) found in the rubble of the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince.

Their two-year-old sister, Alyahna, was pulled alive from the debris yesterday. The girls' mother, Nelson-born Emily Sanson-Rejouis, 37, was working at the United Nations office when the quake hit and also survived.

At a media conference in Auckland today, Mrs Sanson-Rejouis' step-sister, Caroline Larnach, said the couple met while on a United Nations mission in Africa and had since served in Eritrea, Ethiopia and East Timor.

"Emily and Emmanuel have always been really involved in helping people," Ms Larnach said.

Ms Sanson-Rejouis' step-brother, Jamie Larnach, said Emily was helped by someone inside the UN to get her and Alyahna to the Dominican Republic yesterday. Alyahna is getting medical help after having one of her legs broken in the earthquake.

Mr Larnach said the family were grieving for the loss of Emmanuel and the couple's two daughters.

"Obviously we're distraught and haven't really had time to mourn."

He said the family in New Zealand still had little information to go on.

Ms Larnach said: "We know two bodies have been taken into care - Emmanuel's and one of the girls."

But she did not know which body was yet to be recovered or whether the bodies would be returned to New Zealand.

Ms Larnach said she was grateful to members of the public who had donated money to the family appeal but urged people to also give to humanitarian agencies working on the ground.

Asked if he was surprised by the public's reaction to his family's tragedy, Mr Larnach said: "No, they're Kiwis."

Those wanting to help the family to bring Emily and Alyahna home can deposit money in a BNZ bank account. The name of the account is: Haiti Earthquake Sanson Rejouis Family Fund and the account number is 02 0704 0074227 00.

The family have also recently put artwork from Ladyhawke's album up for auction.

Sarah Larnach - another step-sister of Emily is the visual artist for Ladyhawke and has put the artwork up for sale on the auction website ebay.

Mr Larnach earlier said Kofie-Jade and Zenzie were "lovely, gorgeous little girls".

"We are extremely touched and thankful for everyone in New Zealand, France, the US and other countries for their kindness and support," Mr Larnach said.

Mrs Sanson-Rejouis' father Roger, mother Jennie Wilson Sanson and sister Rachel are on their way to Miami, where relatives of Emmanuel's live.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade this morning said a diplomat was arriving in the Dominican Republic today to help Mrs Sanson-Rejouis.

- with NZ HERALD STAFF