PRESS RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL: 8 PM EST in New York, Saturday March 5, 2011
2 PM New Zealand time Sunday March 6, 2011

“The American New Zealand Association (ANZA) has helped to raise over NZ$570,000 in the USA to date, to contribute to the relief efforts in Christchurch”, its Chairman Mr. Ian Phillips told a large gathering at another fundraiser in New York on Saturday night.

“While much of this has come from the first 2 major donors so far, the hundreds of contributions received on our website, and through events such as this, are a very substantial measure of the breadth and depth of those in America wanting to help those in Canterbury” he said.

“This support has come from all parts of the USA, and included individual contributions and funds raised through events from school bake sales to nights such as this” he told the attendees. “American generosity in times like this is legendary, and so many of those who have helped have no direct New Zealand connection but just want to do what they can. Our other friends, led by the Australian community in the USA, have been an enormous help”.

“Now we must move on to help the people of Christchurch rebuild their city and their lives. The American New Zealand Association Inc. with its USA tax deductible status is in a good position to help with those efforts. ANZA is working closely with NZ Ambassador Mike Moore and the other USA based organizations and individuals that are keen to help, to ensure that we can get the most possible funding with the least possible bureaucracy, and provide the practical assistance where it is most needed” he continued. “Our website is there for those who want to assist at www.AmericanNewZealand.org and it will be updated our activities”.

“I was personally in Christchurch at the time of the earthquake, so I saw firsthand the devastating impact it had not only on the physical city itself, but also the enormous emotional impact on the city’s fine people. Kia Kaha Christchurch, our thoughts and efforts are with you” he concluded.
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The American New Zealand Association Inc. was incorporated in New York in 2010 as a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) educational and charitable Corporation with the purpose of promoting the development of relations between the United States of America and New Zealand, and to provide opportunities in education and research

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