The Aotearoa New Zealand-based church leaders have released a joint call that asks church members to offer prayers and send financial support to Tonga through Christian World Service and the churches’ own partner agencies working in Tonga.

The church leaders' statement opens with an exhortation to courage from Joshua 1:9 “…Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

The statement, which was signed by Archbishop Don Tamihere and Archbishop Philip Richardson goes on to acknowledge those who have died and the concern that they feel for Tonga.

“We are watching the news reports from Tonga with great care and concern for the people of Tonga.

The eruptions of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai have caused considerable harm and we are only beginning to see the extent of the damage.

So far we know three people have lost their lives. Acid rain, ash and other debris cover the land and sea. Water supplies, food crops, homes and infrastructure have been damaged and destroyed. Many are worried and anxious but people are looking after each other. They are praying, singing and cleaning up – as they do after every disaster.”

The church leaders, which included national Baptist Church leader Charles Hewlett, Presbyterian Moderator Hamish Galloway, Methodist President Andrew Doubleday and Religious Society of Friends Co-Clerks Anne and Alistair Hall, goes on to encourage friends of Tonga in Aotearoa New Zealand.

 “In Aotearoa New Zealand and in many places, people with family in Tonga are anxiously awaiting news. Our prayers are also for you and for the speedy restoration of full communications.” 

“We know the people of Tonga will need help to get through this period, to recover and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.”

 Church leaders urged supporters in Aotearoa New Zealand to send financial support to church agencies that partner with churches in Tonga and come with strong records of delivering effective and accountable aid through local Tongan organisations.

 “If you can make a donation, please give generously to Appeal for Tonga supported by the: Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia (Anglican Missions), Methodist Church of New Zealand, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Baptist Churches of New Zealand, and Christian World Service.”

 The church leaders’ statement ends with a call to prayer and solidarity with Tongans now facing the massive task of recovery - rebuilding properties, replanting food crops and rebuilding livelihoods.

“Your prayers, consideration and support of those affected by the eruptions, tsunami and their aftermath are so important and we thank you for showing your compassion to the people of Tonga at this time.”

The leaders’ statement includes each of the churches' own agencies, including the two official agencies backed by the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia: The Diocese of Polynesia (via Anglican Missions) and Christian World Service. 

Anglican Missions is funding the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia’s work to support affected communities in Tonga. More than $46,000 has already been donated to this appeal. Assessments from Tonga indicate that the most pressing needs are for clean water and tools to clear ash and eventually re-establish gardens and crops. The Diocese of Polynesia’s response will include purchasing a shipping container in Fiji which will then be filled with requested items such as water containers; water purification tablets; cleaning equipment and garden tools. The container will be shipped to Tonga where these items will be used to replenish existing pre-positioned supplies at two Anglican Churches in Nuku’alofa.  

The container will then be refitted and used to store relief supplies. This is particularly relevant in the middle of the annual tropical cyclone season. Donations to the Tonga Appeal can be made through Anglican Missions’ website here.  

Christian World Service
Christian World Service Aotearoa New Zealand's longest established ecumenical aid and development agency, will support its local partner the Tonga Community Development Trust.
The Trust is organising its Ama Takiloa network of women’s groups to help families replace the livelihoods they have lost after the eruption and tsunami.
Funds raised will support the Ama Takiloa network to repair rainwater harvesting systems, re-establish food gardens and plant fruit trees throughout the country.
“The Ama Takiloa village women’s groups in Ha’apai have done this before. After every cyclone, they mobilise the local people to clean up and look after each other.”
“Members will organise support for those who need help,” reported Director Sione Faka’osi.

NZ tax-deductible donations to CWS can be made online through CWS’ Tonga Appeal or by calling 0800 74 73 72.