Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister
6 December 2012 Media Statement

PM Expresses Sorrow Over Tornado Deaths

Prime Minister John Key has extended his condolences to the friends and families of the people who died when a tornado struck West Auckland earlier today.

“A thunderstorm and tornado struck West Auckland around 1pm today, tearing down trees, and ripping roofs from houses,” Mr Key says.

“This must have been an extremely frightening situation for many people in the local community.

“I’d like to thank the emergency services staff, who are responding to the situation. It’s critical they are able to focus on the response.

“This extreme weather event occurred in the heart of my electorate as well as Paula Bennett’s electorate. I have been kept informed of the situation throughout the afternoon and am continuing to receive updates,” Mr Key says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

World Refugee Day:
Are We Doing Our Bit?

On World Refugee Day, Thursday June 20th, Doing Our Bit will officially launch a campaign to double New Zealand’s UNHCR Refugee Resettlement Quota...

New Zealand’s low refugee intake is not a new issue. In February a NZ Herald editorial commented that our intake was ‘paltry’, remarking that ‘surely we could do more’. In April, Amnesty International described the quota as ‘tiny'.

“Despite being a small country in the middle of the South Pacific, New Zealand prides itself on being hospitable. We are friendly to overseas visitors and we see ourselves as punching above our weight in international affairs,” said Murdoch Stephens, coordinator of Doing Our Bit.

“However, in terms of accepting refugees New Zealand is clearly not doing our share.” More>>