The Auckland City Council has provided $20,000 as an initial ‘kick start’ for the Mayoral fund for the peoples of East Timor.

"We are signalling our deep concern that our near neighbours in East Timor have suffered," says Cr Maire Leadbeater, chair of the Partnerships Committee. "I should emphasis that by the Council voting to provide this money we hope to act as a catalyst for other Aucklanders, organisations, and individuals to contribute as well."

"We are being pro-active and will be supporting other fund raising initiatives as well. We have a couple of fund raising concerts in the pipe line and will announcing these shortly, once arrangements have been made."

Money’s from the Mayoral East Timor Relief Fund will be directed through established aid agencies such as OXFAM and Caritas.

"Caritas works through the Catholic Church and has a strong following in Timor. Both these organisations are already operating in East Timor and are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Zealand. OXFAM is working to restore water and basic sanitation as well as other essential infrastructure."

"Indonesia formally relinquished East Timor in the last few days, so Aucklanders now have the opportunity to help the people of this country to rebuild their country and help it grow in to a new and independent nation,"says Cr Leadbeater.

Donations to the Mayoral East Timor Relief Fund should be sent to:
The Office of the Mayor
Auckland City Council
PO Box 92516
Wellesley Street
Auckland.

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