Goff: Labour supports humanitarian aid for Fiji

Hon Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party

12 January 2009 Media Statement

Goff says Labour supports humanitarian aid for Fiji

Labour leader Phil Goff has expressed his condolences to the families of those who have died in Fiji’s devastating storms and flooding, and says that he supports any moves by the Government to send aid to Fijian people as they try to cope with the disaster.

“These are the worst storms for many years, with a serious death toll, and our hearts go out to the Fijians who are suffering,” Phil Goff said today.

“New Zealanders have always been close friends of the Fijian people, and we should do all we can to help them recover from the appalling damage they are reportedly facing.

“While New Zealand currently has political difficulties working with Fiji, such difficulties do not cross over into the humanitarian area,” Phil Goff said. “The Government must provide help, and we will support its actions.”

Fijian-born Labour MP Rajen Prasad says he feels great empathy for the plight of the Fijian people as he has experienced severe storm conditions there.

“New Zealand’s issues of difference with Fiji have nothing to do with the Fijian people themselves. I identify closely with what Fijians have been experiencing in the past few days, and I urge our Government to do everything it possibly can to help the people of Fiji recover from this disaster.”

ENDS