9 March 2011

New Zealand based forestry company Rayonier Matariki Forests is donating $100,000 to help support the recovery efforts for the city of Christchurch.

The donation will assist in relief initiatives both in the short and long term, with over half of the funds being donated immediately to the Red Cross whose tireless work is already making a marked difference in the region. The balance will be donated in the coming months to ensure the rebuilding of Christchurch and other affected areas proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Rayonier Matariki Forests Managing Director Paul Nicholls is pleased to be able to contribute to the relief efforts and help those kiwis that are currently doing it tough.

“This donation to the Red Cross signals our ongoing commitment to all New Zealanders who are suffering from the loss of homes, businesses and, in many situations, family and friends,” says Nicholls.

“As a company we maintain strong ties with Christchurch, both in our own Canterbury operations and in our close association with the New Zealand School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury. Our thoughts remain with all those affected, both in Christchurch and around the country, as they deal with the devastation caused on February 22nd,” he says.

The outpouring of messages and offers of support has been overwhelming, coming from as far abroad as the United States where Rayonier staff have already begun to raise money internally for the relief effort.

“It is vital that we maintain our support for Christchurch as the full extent of the damage is realised,” says Nicholls, “and with this in mind Rayonier Matariki will match all staff donations to the Red Cross and Earthquake Relief Appeals both here in New Zealand and the US.”

ENDS

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