New Zealand and Australia are set to invest a combined NZ $47.5 million, working alongside the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, to support the establishment of humanitarian relief warehouses across the Pacific.
The initiative will see warehouses built in 14 Pacific Islands countries and Timor-Leste.
“As we know all too well, the Pacific is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards and other risks – including cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, volcanoes and disease. These disasters can lead to immense humanitarian need,” said Foreign Minister, Winston Peters.
“This initiative places Pacific countries at the centre of responses. It will give countries access to humanitarian relief supplies within 48 hours of a disaster to help meet immediate needs following an emergency.”
Minister Peters and Australian Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong (pictured) are currently in Fiji, to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.
“The Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program is an excellent Pacific led initiative, and Australia and New Zealand are proud to back it to help ensure there is easily accessible support and supplies on the ground for communities when disaster strikes,” said Senator Wong.
“This is a practical demonstration of how we are working together to address our shared challenges.”
