New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key has announced the launch of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

The Appeal is an official global fundraiser for the recovery effort in Christchurch and the Canterbury region. It has been launched by the Government to reach as many people as possible globally who wish to help and support Christchurch . The Appeal is for donations from both private and Governmental sources.

Around 200 Solomon Islanders and New Zealanders attended the annual Waitangi Day reception held at the High Commissioner’s Residence in Honiara. Among the guests, we were honoured to be joined by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Danny Philip and Speaker of the National Parliament Sir Allan Kemakeza. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) band provided light music, with national anthems sung by New Zealanders serving with RAMSI and the Woodford School Choir.

Imagine a small Pacific island near the equator, at the extreme western end of the Solomon Islands archipelago. Five hours across open sea in a 40hp motorised speedboat to get there, one two-way health clinic radio to communicate with the outside world. This is Mono in the Treasury Islands group, home to around 750 people who retain a very special connection to New Zealand.

Christchurch is recovering well from the major earthquake on 4 September. New Zealand’s high levels of earthquake preparedness and strong infrastructure have seen essential services quickly restored to most of the affected area. An area in central Christchurch is cordoned off and this cordon is reviewed daily. The remainder of Christchurch is accessible.

No other areas of New Zealand are affected by the earthquake.