Do you need funding for conservation, cultural, or development projects? The Pacific Development Conservation Trust (PDCT) funds a range of conservation, cultural heritage, development and goodwill projects in the South Pacific. Projects must be based in the South Pacific and can also be in New Zealand.

The projects must be charitable and benefit to Vanuatu. The Trust has $250,000 each year to distribute. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount. Grants made range from NZ$2000-$50,000.

Prime Minister John Key today launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region.

"It's vital we reach as many people throughout the world as possible who want to help. This isn't just New Zealand's tragedy-the February 22 earthquake affected countless people internationally.

Please note that the tropical depression in the vicinity of Vanuatu (near Erromango island) has strengthened into a Tropical Cyclone ('TC Vania'). TC Vania is slowly moving South West at 5 knots in the direction of New Caledonia and is expected to be located just North of the Loyalty Islands by 7am Vanuatu time, 9am NZ time, tomorrow.

We recommend that all New Zealanders in the vicinity of TC Vania (those South of Efate) follow all advice/instructions issued by local authorities including on evacuation, and monitor news/weather/hurricane reports closely to keep up to date.

On 4 November 2010, the Governments of New Zealand and Australia signed an agreement to jointly fund the Vanuatu Women's Centre (VWC) and its provincial branches until June 2012, marking an important step towards strengthening donor harmonisation in Vanuatu. Untill recently, funding to the women's centre was managed separately - with New Zealand Funding the Sanma Counselling Centre in Luganville, Santo since 1995.