New Zealand is contributing $500,000 towards relief efforts helping those stricken by the catastrophic earthquake in India.
The Government has also sent a message of sympathy to the Indian Prime Minister.
The quake has been called the worst to hit India, with a confirmed death toll of 7000, which could reach 20,000.
No reports have been received of any New Zealanders being caught in the disaster.
Foreign Minister Phil Goff admitted that the $500,000, which will be channelled through the United Nations and the Red Cross, would not go a "huge distance" in helping. But he said the sum compared favourably per head with contributions by other countries such as the United States.
It was larger than the $100,000 given to El Salvador after this month's earthquake in that country, but the magnitude of the latest disaster was greater and the larger sum acknowledged the close links between New Zealand and the state of Gujarat, from which many Indian families in New Zealand migrated.
The Government's pledge yesterday followed a general appeal for money to the international community from a New Zealander coordinating the Red Cross relief effort in India.
Dunedin-born Bob McKerrow, who has worked in South Asia for 18 years, said that while the international response to Friday's earthquake had been swift, more money was needed.
The 7.9 earthquake was the worst disaster to hit India in half a century. It hit hardest in the western state of Gujarat, but was also felt in Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Save the Children New Zealand yesterday joined other aid agencies, pledging $300,000 to help. New Zealand Red Cross, World Vision and Unicef all launched appeals at the weekend.
Donations can be made to:
* Unicef on 0800 800 194
* World Vision on 0800 80 2000
* Red Cross (automatic $20 donation) on 0900 33 200
* Caritas on 0800 22 10 22
* Tear Fund on 0800 800 061
* Save the Children on 0800 167 168
* Christian World Service on 0800 74 73 72
NZ gives $500,000 to Indian quake relief
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