Thoughts with victims of Pacific tsunami: Manukau Mayor

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says the thoughts of the people of Manukau are with the families and the people of the nations affected by this morning’s earthquake and tsunami in the pacific.

“It appears there have been fatalities and injuries caused by the tsunami that hit Samoa and American Samoa particularly hard,” says Mr Brown.

“Pacific people are an important part of Manukau’s diverse communities making up 27 per cent of the city’s population.

“We also have a very large Samoan population and I am sure that local residents have been trying to get hold of their relatives in Samoa and American Samoa who have been severely affected.”

Mr Brown says he visited Samoa and American Samoa as part of the Manukau City Pacific Trade Delegation in August.

“It makes it very personal because we met so many wonderful people in the islands, and they left a lasting impression on me.

“We as a council are working to see how we can support the relief effort that will undoubtedly be required in coming days.

“Our thoughts go out to the governments of Samoa and American Samoa and to the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragedy,” says Mr Brown.