NZ MPs shocked by devastation

Labour MPs Luamanuvao Winnie Laban and Chris Carter say they are shocked and distressed by the devastation in Samoa after they arrived in the aftermath of yesterday's earthquake and tsunami.

This morning they attended the funeral of prominent Samoan businesswoman, and member of Mrs Laban's family, Tui Annandale.

Mrs Annandale attended school and university in New Zealand and owned a resort that was popular with New Zealand tourists.

She was a well-known activist for women's rights in Samoa.

Today the pair are touring the devastated south coast of Upolu and Mrs Laban will be meeting more family members.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, is brief the MPs this afternoon and Mr Carter said he planned to report back to the New Zealand Government afterwards.

Acting Prime Minister Bill English said Mrs Laban had very strong family links to Samoa.

"I don't want to underestimate the impact of this on Samoa and the families there I am sure will be grateful for any support they get as they deal with the shock of all these events," Mr English said.

The Government had been focusing on communicating with Samoa through the officials channels, but if the MPs had anything useful to tell, then the Government would listen to it.

- NZPA

How you can help

Pacific Cooperation Foundation
Deposits can be made at at any Westpac branch. All the money raised will go to the Samoan Government

Red Cross
- Make a secure online donation at redcross.org.nz
- Send cheques to the Samoan Red Cross Fund, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
- Call 0900 31 100 to make an automatic $20 donation
- Make a donation at any NZ Red Cross office

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- Phone 0800 400 666 or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 600 20