Tongan Families to Benefit From Habitat for Humanity And Government Partnership
Habitat for Humanity New Zealand and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga cemented a commitment to shelter projects
that will improve the safety, resilience and wellbeing of Tongan families.
The New Zealand charity’s CEO Claire Szabo was in Nukualofa to meet with Government of the Kingdom of Tonga Deputy Prime
Minister Siaosi Sovaleni to sign a memorandum of understanding.
Ms Szabo said the agreement was focused on a commitment to the families of Tonga.
“Habitat is committed to responding in times of disaster to all nations of the Pacific, and we’re pleased today to
formalise our focus on responding to families in Tonga whose shelter may have been affected by disaster such as
cyclones.”
“However, this agreement isn’t limited to a ‘bottom of the cliff’ response,” Ms Szabo said.
“We’re also very much looking forward to progressing work with families in Tonga whose shelter may not be adequate to
withstand future disasters, through development projects, and this is a desire we’re pleased to share with the
government of Tonga.”
Ms Szabo said the charity had been active in the Pacific for many years and was currently undertaking a partnership
project in Samoa, continuing with rebuilding and housing resilience projects following the devastation of Tropical
Cyclone Evan in 2012. Habitat was also working alongside Habitat for Humanity Fiji in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone
Winston.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding was witnessed by New Zealand Member of Parliament Jenny Salesa.
Ends.